Energy transmission can be valuable revenue for Railways: Report

The Indian Railways should explore the use of sections of its extensive network for electricity transmission infrastructure, according to a report.

This is a key recommendation in the report by the Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis (IEEFA) released on December 3 that outlines the opportunity for the Railways to participate in the nation’s energy transition beyond its solar power generation plans.

The report titled, ‘Indian Railways at the Junction’, urges the national transporter to consider the feasibility of locating high voltage direct current (HVDC) lines underground on suitable sections of its right of way.

“With its in-house solar project plans, Indian Railways is on track to becoming a major renewable energy generator. And it could further support India’s energy transition by evaluating options for HVDC transmission, which could reduce encroachment on forests and farmland, as well as planning delays,” says author Charles Worringham, a researcher and guest contributor for the IEEFA.

“Moving latent electricity in the form of coal is less efficient, less flexible, and increasingly less competitive compared to moving actual electricity on transmission lines.”

Worringham points out that the abrupt changes to railway operations caused by the Covid-19 lockdown and the fall in energy demand growth have highlighted critical choices and opportunities for Indian Railways --starting with the priorities to deal with a highly congested network.

Prior to the pandemic, 40 per cent of lines and all of the important freight routes were operating at above 100 per cent of line capacity due to severe congestion on the network, but the suspension of passenger services during the pandemic has seen the movement of more freight and a greater diversity of cargoes, at twice the speed, bringing in new revenue and improved service.