Delhi: Indian Railways and the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) have announced a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to combat climate change and strengthen clean energy cooperation. The collaboration was announced on June 22, 2023.
As part of its commitment to reduce carbon footprint, Indian Railways’ aims to achieve the target of net-zero carbon emissions by 2030 with this collaborative initiative.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between USAID and Indian Railways will combine the knowledge, resources, and expertise of both parties to expedite the implementation of renewable energy, energy efficiency, and energy storage technologies in line with the objective of achieving net-zero emissions. This partnership between USAID and Indian Railways aims to develop sustainable solutions that enhance energy efficiency, reduce carbon footprints, and ensure a greener future for railway operations.
Indian Railways is taking several initiatives and in line with this, MoU was signed between Indian Railways, the Government of India, and the United States Agency for International Development/India (USAID/India) on 14th June 2023 for collaboration on Renewable energy and Energy Efficiency. The MoU was signed by Shri Naveen Gulati, Member (Traction and Rolling Stock), Railway Board, Indian Railways, and Ms. Isabel Coleman, Deputy Administrator, USAID, in the presence of Sh. Anil Kumar Lahoti, Chairman & CEO, Railway Board.
This partnership is part of a longstanding collaboration focused on reducing greenhouse gas emissions, promoting energy security, and advancing sustainable practices. The partnership has already led to the installation of solar panels and energy-efficient lighting and appliances at approximately 1,000 railway stations across India. The MOU further strengthens the climate change and clean energy partnership between the United States and India, contributing to both national and global climate targets.
Through MoU, technical assistance and support would be provided to Indian Railways. The MoU broadly includes but is not limited to the following areas:
- Long-term energy planning including clean energy for Indian Railways.
- Develop an Energy Efficiency Policy and Action Plan for IR Buildings.
- Planning for clean energy procurement to achieve Indian Railways’ net-zero vision.
- Technical support for addressing regulatory and implementation barriers.
- Bid design and bid management support for system-friendly, large-scale renewable procurement.
- Supporting Indian Railways in the promotion of e-mobility.
The collaboration of Indian Railways with USAID, India will go a long way in helping Indian Railways to achieve Net Zero Carbon Emission by 2030.
