Renewable energy sources are sources of power that are found in nature and can be replenished. Optimal use of these resources  minimize environmental impacts, produce minimum secondary waste and are sustainable based on current and future economic and social societal needs. These include the energy from water currents, the wind, stored solar power, biomass, geothermal energy, and other sources.

 In this report I would like to share about India’s initiatives to use solar energy at the large scale.

India’s First Solar Powered Train-

Indian railway on July 2017 launched first solar powered DEMU (Diesel Electric Multiple Unit) from Delhi. A total of 16 solar panels, each producing 300 Wp, are fitted in six coaches. This is the first time in the world that solar panels are being used as grid in railways. The train has a power backup and can run on battery for at least 72 hours. By saving an estimate 1.2 lakh kilo litre of diesel every year, the railways will be able to pocket Rs 672 crore per year. The Solar power will also help in reducing 2.7 lakh tonnes of CO2 emission per year.

India’s First Solar Powered Railway Station-

After experimenting with solar-powered train coaches, India now have an entire station that runs on renewable energy. The Guwahati railway station runs 100% on solar power. According to a report, In all, the station installed more than 2,500 solar modules- preventing about 600,000 kilograms of CO2 from entering the atmosphere in the past month. The cost of installing solar panels on the building was about 1 million dollar, but the solar energy will save Indian railways as estimated 100,000 dollar each year in electricity bills- meaning the investment will pay itself off in about 10 years.

Not just a solar train and station Indian Railways wants 25% of energy to be renewable by 2025.

Solar Bus to aware people about Solar Energy-

A new solar powered bus is rumbling through the streets of New Delhi, but it’s not picking up any passengers. Instead, it’s passing on the value of solar power. This bus is on a tour to clear people’s misconceptions about solar energy. It is a joint initiative of city government and Greenpeace India.

These were some of the steps taken by Indian Government. Despite all complexities and debate, renewable energy technologies compare extremely favorable to fossil fuels, and remain a core part of the solution to climate change.