KMRL awaits Anert response to RE project subsidy request

Kochi Metro Rail Limited

Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL), the agency developing the mass transit project in south Indian state of Kerala, continues exploring the possibilities of production and utilization of clean energy for its operations.

Recently, Nagpur Metro was reported to have drawn up a proposal to meet 40 percent of its operational needs from solar power installations at metro stations.

KMRL has been considering a similar option for some time, going by a report in The Times of India. The newspaper has reported that KMRL has sought subsidy for the project from Agency for Non-conventional Energy and Rural Technology (Anert), the nodal agency solar project implementation in Kerala, and is now awaiting a reply.

KMRL will decide on future course of action based on the response of Anert which is “considering the request”, according to a source quoted by ToI.

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Earlier, KMRL had approached Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) seeking subsidy for the project but was informed that the ministry had blocked subsidies for the time being.

Initially, KMRL planned to use solar energy for its entire operations, including the plying of trains and meeting the power requirements on metro station and premises.

It had also asked the KSEB to make provisions for connecting the solar project to the grid.

“KMRL’s requirement is about 14MW. We are completing the augmentation of our installations at Kalamassery to cater to its needs,” ToI has quoted an unnamed KSEB official as saying.

KSEB will facilitate grid connectivity and install net metering facility to keep tabs on the uptake of any surplus energy generated by the solar project.

Ajith Kumar S

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