The Kolkata Metro is planning to increase its solar power generation capacity by 2792 Kwp in the current fiscal year (FY24). This is part of the metro’s efforts to become a net-zero carbon emitter by 2030.
The four solar power plants that will be installed in FY24 will have a combined capacity of 2792 Kwp. These plants will be located at Stabling Bay Line Workshop at Central Park Depot (500 Kwp), Belgachia (92 Kwp), Joka Depot (1400 Kwp) and Kavi Subhash Carshed (800 Kwp).
The Kolkata Metro currently has a solar power generation capacity of 2189.50 Kwp. The addition of the four new plants will increase the metro’s solar power generation capacity to 4981.50 Kwp.
The Kolkata Metro’s solar power plants are expected to generate around 5.5 million units of electricity per year. This will help the metro to reduce its dependence on grid electricity and save around Rs. 2.5 crore per year.
The installation of the four new solar power plants is part of the Kolkata Metro’s plan to become a net-zero carbon emitter by 2030. The metro is also working on other measures to reduce its carbon footprint, such as using energy-efficient LED lights and improving the efficiency of its trains.
The Kolkata Metro’s efforts to increase its solar power generation capacity and become a net-zero carbon emitter are a welcome step. These initiatives will help to reduce the metro’s reliance on fossil fuels and contribute to the fight against climate change.
The Benefits of Solar Power for the Kolkata Metro
There are a number of benefits to the Kolkata Metro from increasing its solar power generation capacity. These include:
- Reduced dependence on grid electricity: The metro will be able to reduce its dependence on grid electricity, which will help to reduce its overall carbon footprint.
- Cost savings: The metro will save around Rs. 2.5 crore per year by generating its own electricity from solar power.
- Improved reliability: Solar power is a reliable source of energy, which means that the metro will be less likely to experience power outages.
- Enhanced public image: The metro’s efforts to increase its solar power generation capacity will enhance its public image as a sustainable and environmentally friendly organization.
The Challenges of Solar Power for the Kolkata Metro
There are also a number of challenges that the Kolkata Metro will face in increasing its solar power generation capacity. These include:
- The cost of solar panels: The cost of solar panels has come down significantly in recent years, but it is still a significant investment.
- The availability of land: The metro will need to find suitable land to install its solar power plants.
- The maintenance of solar power plants: Solar power plants require regular maintenance, which can be a challenge for the metro.
Conclusion
Despite the challenges, the Kolkata Metro’s plans to increase its solar power generation capacity are a welcome step. These initiatives will help to reduce the metro’s reliance on fossil fuels and contribute to the fight against climate change. The metro will need to overcome the challenges it faces, but the potential benefits of solar power are significant.