The Ministry of Railways on Friday announced that Indian Railways has signed an agreement with a US federal government agency for collaboration on renewable energy and energy efficiency to achieve net zero carbon emission by 2030. Indian Railways (IR) and the United States Agency for International Development/India (USAID/India), a US federal government agency, entered into a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on June 14.
In a statement, Railways said, “As part of its commitment to reduce carbon footprints, Indian Railways is taking several initiatives. In line with this, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between Indian Railways, the Government of India, and the United States Agency for International Development/India (USAID/India) on June 14, 2023, for collaboration on Renewable energy and Energy Efficiency.”
The MoU was signed by Naveen Gulati, Member (Traction and Rolling Stock), Railway Board, Indian Railways, and Isabel Coleman, Deputy Administrator, USAID, in the presence of Anil Kumar Lahoti, Chairman & CEO, Railway Board, the Ministry of Railways informed in a press release on Friday.
The agreement was signed as a part of the IR’s initiatives towards reducing carbon footprints, the ministry informed in a press release on Friday. The IR aims to achieve its goal of net zero carbon emissions by 2030.
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The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) focuses on providing technical assistance and building a support network for the IR. It aims to assist the IR in long-term energy planning, with a specific emphasis on adopting clean energy methods. Clean energy procurement planning is also included in the agreement to support the IR’s carbon emission reduction goals.
The agreement also encompasses bid design and bid management support for large-scale renewable procurement that aligns with system-friendly practices.
Technical support will be provided to the IR to address regulatory and implementation barriers, facilitating smoother integration of clean energy solutions. The promotion of e-mobility is another key area of support outlined in the agreement.
Furthermore, the IR and USAID/India will jointly organize events, conferences, and capacity-building programs. The agreement also facilitates field visits and study tours, both within India and internationally, to foster knowledge exchange and practical learning experiences.