KMRL, more panels installed to boost solar power generation

This will increase the production by 1.57 crore units/year and maintain 60 percent energy neutrality.

KOCHI (Natural Energy News): To achieve its goal of self-sufficiency in electricity, Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL) will enhance its solar power generation capacity by commissioning an additional 5.4MWP capacity system on its buildings and tracks this year. This will increase the production by 1.57 crore units/year and maintain 60 percent energy neutrality.

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KMRL officials said the agency is well placed to use solar energy to meet a large portion of its energy consumption. In line with its objective of achieving energy neutrality, the agency had already successfully commissioned three large-scale solar power generation systems in the last two years. KMRL has already completed installation of solar panels at Thayakudam Metro station. Work is in progress in Vitilla, Petta, South, Kadavantra and Elamkulam.

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There are also plans to install solar panels at the Muttom depot in the ramp area on the roof and track of the JLN metro station. The installation of rooftop solar panels will be completed by mid-November 2020 and the rest will be completed by December 2020. This initiative has reduced carbon emissions by 13,302 tonnes per year, which is equivalent to planting 5,33,033 trees.

The first phase of the project, which is 2.670MWP in capacity and capable of generating 36.5 lakh units / year in 2018, was implemented through RESCO (Renewable Energy Service Company). Then it contributed 60 percent of the total energy consumption. However, with the opening of new stations at Thayakudam in the Maharaja, neutrality was reduced by half to 30 per cent as electricity consumption also increased.

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“We are emphasizing on maximizing solar power generation. We have a solar energy policy in force. We are setting up solar plants to achieve green and clean electricity as far as possible in all our regions. KMRL managing director Alkesh Kumar Sharma said that this will be repeated in the water metro project as well.

According to the KMRL official, the project is not only financially beneficial, but it also sends a powerful message, emphasizing the need to achieve power self-sufficiency. The agency also believes that every household will adopt solar energy.

Work In Progress:

Work is in progress in Vitilla, Petta, South, Kadavantra and Elamkulam.

There are also plans to install solar panels on the roof of JLN Metro station and track in addition to the ramp area at Mattom Depot.

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