Indian Railways bets on nuclear power to meet net zero goal by 2030 – details here – The Times of India

The Indian Railways has begun consultations with the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) and power ministry regarding the establishment of small nuclear power facilities to meet its energy needs, supporting its aim to achieve net zero emissions by 2030.
Officials familiar with the matter indicate that whilst the Indian Railways will provide land and guarantee power consumption, DAE and the power ministry will support plant establishment with fuel supply agreements.
“Discussions have begun…This would help railways achieve net zero swiftly,” a senior official told ET. The facilities will assist the national transporter in meeting its 10 GW traction requirement by decade’s end.
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Indian Railways intends to purchase 3 GW of renewable energy, including hydropower, alongside 3 GW of thermal and nuclear power in 2030. The additional 4 GW required for traction will be obtained through arrangements with power distribution companies.
According to the official, land availability is not a concern for railways, and site identification has commenced.

Indian Railways net zero plans

“Public sector financing arms under Indian Railways will provide the funding support for these projects,” another senior official told the financial daily.
The Indian Railways Finance Corporation (IRFC) is expected to be amongst the entities responsible for securing funding for these initiatives.
Back in 2016, Indian Railways engaged in preliminary talks regarding a collaborative venture for nuclear power plant establishment. However, the initiative stalled due to financial constraints.
Nuclear power has gained renewed attention following the announcement of a Rs 20,000 crore Nuclear Energy Mission in the February 1 budget.
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This initiative aims to implement a minimum of five domestically developed Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) by 2033. The administration is focused on transitioning major power consumers to nuclear energy to accelerate the nation’s environmental objectives. An industry specialist noted that the emphasis on SMRs would facilitate this transition more effectively.
In response to an inquiry last week, Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw informed the Rajya Sabha that they had contacted the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) and power ministry regarding nuclear power allocation for the railway system. He additionally noted the steadily rising power demands of Indian Railways.
“Railways has been exploring the option of sourcing power from existing as well as upcoming nuclear power plants to meet part of its traction power requirement,” Vaishnaw said.