Pune Metro Goes Green: Installs Solar Panels for Sustainable Operations
Pune, 9th June 2023 : In a significant step towards sustainability and cost-saving measures, Pune Metro has successfully installed rooftop solar energy panels at its stations and depots to generate electricity. With the objective of reducing its carbon footprint, the metro system plans to have a total solar capacity of 9MW across all elevated stations and depots. As of now, nine solar plants have already been commissioned, and the remaining installations will be completed by February 2024.
The completed solar plants, located at PCMC, Sant Tukaram Nagar, Bhosari, Phugewadi, Vanaz, Anand Nagar, Ideal Colony, Nal Stop, and Garware College, have a collective DC capacity of 2281 KWp. These solar plants generate an average of 11,500 units of electricity per day, resulting in significant cost savings. The energy generated by these plants translates to daily savings of approximately Rs 85,000, amounting to around Rs 25.50 lakhs per month.
Pune Metro aims to complete the installation of plants with a capacity of 5MW by November 2023. The remaining 4MW will be installed by February 2024. Once all the solar plants are operational, it is expected that 40% of the metro system’s electricity consumption will be met through solar power.
The upcoming stations where solar energy plants are yet to be commissioned include Kasarwadi, Bopodi, Dapoli, Khadki, Deccan Gymkhana, Sambhaji Park, PMC, Civil Court, Mangalwar Peth, Pune Railway Station, Ruby Hall Clinic, Bund Garden, Yerwada, Kalyani Nagar, Ramwadi, Range Hill Depot, and Vanaz Depot. The planned DC capacity for these stations is 6,646 KWp.
Hemant Sonawane, the executive director of PR and administration at Pune Metro, emphasized the organization’s commitment to environmental sustainability. He highlighted the various eco-friendly initiatives undertaken by the Pune Metro project, including the transplantation of trees, usage of bio-digesters, and tree plantation drives. The installation of solar energy panels is yet another crucial decision to ensure that Pune Metro operates as a “green transport” system.
By harnessing solar power, Pune Metro sets an inspiring example for other mass transit systems, demonstrating the viability and benefits of renewable energy adoption. This move not only contributes to environmental conservation but also enables significant cost savings, further enhancing the efficiency and financial sustainability of the metro project.
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