Delhi Metro Seeks 500 Million Units of Renewable Energy in Major Green Push
The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) has invited bids to procure 500 million units of renewable energy annually, aiming to power over 60% of its operations from clean sources and become India’s first metro system to achieve this milestone.
Key Takeaways
- DMRC seeks 500 MU renewable energy via 25-year power purchase agreement
- Target: Increase renewable energy share from 33% to over 60%
- Project includes solar plant with battery storage system
- Completion expected within 15 months of contract award
Major Renewable Energy Procurement Initiative
In a significant step toward sustainable operations, DMRC is selecting a solar power developer to establish a grid-connected captive generating plant with Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) anywhere in India. The energy will be supplied under a 25-year power purchase agreement.
Current Renewable Energy Usage
Delhi Metro currently meets approximately 33% of its power demand from renewable sources. This includes:
- 350 MU annually from Rewa Solar Park in Madhya Pradesh
- 40 MU from rooftop solar installations across stations, depots, and residential complexes
“The present Renewable energy penetration in DMRC is about 33 percent of the total power usage during the operational hours and nearly 65 percent during daytime Metro operations,” the statement said.
Transformation to Low-Carbon Operations
The new initiative will elevate DMRC’s renewable energy portfolio from 33% to over 60% of total requirements, including Phase-IV network expansion. This positions Delhi Metro to become India’s first metro rail project operating primarily on clean power.
“If achieved, it will become the first Metro system in the country to source more than half of its total energy from clean sources,” the statement confirmed.
This procurement aligns with DMRC’s commitment to support India’s transition to sustainable urban transport and comply with the government’s climate action goals announced at COP26.
