Indian Railways Partners with USAID/India to Accelerate Clean Energy and Energy Efficiency Solutions
Indian Railways has taken a proactive stance towards achieving its ambitious goal of Net Zero Carbon Emission by 2030. In pursuit of this objective, Indian Railways has adopted a multifaceted approach, with a strong emphasis on reducing its carbon footprint through various initiatives. As part of this commitment, a significant milestone was reached on June 14, 2023, with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Indian Railways, the Government of India, and the United States Agency for International Development/India (USAID/India) 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.
USAID, as an agency of the U.S. Government, plays a vital role in supporting international development and advancing various mission objectives, including economic growth, agriculture and trade, clean energy, climate change mitigation and adaptation, global health, democracy and conflict management, and humanitarian assistance.
Under this MoU, Indian Railways will receive technical assistance and support from USAID/India. The collaboration encompasses several key areas, including long-term energy planning with a focus on clean energy solutions for Indian Railways. Additionally, the partnership will involve the development of an Energy Efficiency Policy and Action Plan for IR Buildings, as well as strategic planning for clean energy procurement to realize Indian Railways’ vision of achieving net-zero emissions. Technical support will also be provided to address regulatory and implementation barriers, while bid design and management assistance will facilitate the acquisition of large-scale renewable energy projects that are system-friendly.
Another crucial aspect of the collaboration entails supporting Indian Railways in promoting e-mobility, which aligns with the broader objective of transitioning to cleaner and greener transportation solutions. The partnership between Indian Railways and USAID/India will also facilitate joint events, conferences, capacity-building programs, and field visits/study tours, both domestically and internationally, to foster knowledge sharing and enhance expertise in the identified areas.
The alliance between Indian Railways and USAID/India holds immense promise in propelling the realization of Net Zero Carbon Emission by 2030. By leveraging the technical expertise and support provided by USAID/India, Indian Railways is poised to make significant strides in clean energy adoption, energy efficiency improvements, and sustainable practices. This collaboration reinforces the commitment of Indian Railways to contribute to global efforts in combating climate change and achieving a greener future for generations to come.
