Indian Railways Plans Nuclear Power to Achieve Net Zero By 2030
Indian Railways is exploring the use of nuclear power to meet its energy needs and achieve net-zero emissions by 2030. With growing concerns about climate change and an urgent need for clean energy, the national transporter is working closely with the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) and the Ministry of Power to establish small nuclear power plants that could power the country’s vast railway network.
As part of its comprehensive strategy to become a carbon-neutral organisation, Indian Railways intends to source 6 GW of energy by 2030, divided between renewable energy, thermal power, and nuclear power. The bulk of this energy, about 3 GW, will come from renewable sources like hydropower, while the remaining 3 GW will be sourced from nuclear and thermal power plants. This diverse energy mix is designed to meet the growing traction needs of Indian Railways, which requires an estimated 10 GW of power by 2030.
The initiative comes as part of the government’s broader push for clean energy, with plans to reduce the nation’s reliance on fossil fuels. For Indian Railways, the shift towards nuclear power is seen as an essential step in meeting its emissions targets while supporting India’s transition to a low-carbon economy. According to officials familiar with the plans, Indian Railways will provide land for the proposed nuclear facilities and ensure a guaranteed power consumption agreement. The DAE and the Ministry of Power will work together to establish these plants, with the aim of meeting the energy demands of the country’s vast railway network. Notably, public sector financing arms under Indian Railways, including the Indian Railways Finance Corporation (IRFC), are expected to secure funding for these projects, which are expected to have far-reaching benefits for the country’s energy and transportation sectors. In addition to providing a significant portion of the energy required for the rail network, the nuclear power plants will also help ease the strain on existing power grids and ensure a more reliable and consistent energy supply. While land availability is not expected to be a challenge, site identification is currently underway, with Indian Railways working with the DAE to identify appropriate locations for the plants.
The move to include nuclear power in Indian Railways’ energy mix is a significant step forward in the country’s energy transition. In previous years, the idea of nuclear energy for railways was met with resistance due to financial constraints. However, following the announcement of the Rs 20,000 crore Nuclear Energy Mission in the union budget, nuclear power is now seen as a more viable solution for large power consumers, including the railways. The focus of the new initiative is on Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), a more compact and safer form of nuclear power generation that is expected to be rolled out across India by 2033. These reactors are ideal for the railways as they can be built on a smaller scale and in a shorter time frame compared to traditional nuclear reactors. SMRs are also seen as more environmentally friendly due to their smaller land footprints and lower carbon emissions. Indian Railways’ plans to incorporate nuclear power are part of a broader strategy to ensure sustainable, green energy is integrated into the country’s transport infrastructure. With railways accounting for a significant portion of India’s energy consumption, the transition to nuclear power will help the rail network meet its rising energy demands, support the country’s environmental objectives, and ensure that rail transport remains a key player in India’s clean energy future. This shift towards nuclear energy aligns with the Indian government’s vision to develop an energy-efficient transportation system that is free of carbon emissions. The nuclear power strategy, alongside the push for renewable energy, will help Indian Railways significantly reduce its reliance on traditional coal-fired power and improve its environmental footprint.
The road to net-zero emissions is still long, but with nuclear power becoming an essential component of Indian Railways’ strategy, the national transporter is setting a global example in the shift towards clean and sustainable energy in the transport sector. With progress being made on securing the necessary resources and collaborations, Indian Railways is on track to meet its goal of net-zero emissions by 2030, leading the way towards a cleaner, greener future.
