DMRC’s Plan to Source Over 60% of Its Power from Clean Energy Will Make It India’s First Low-Carbon Metro System

In a landmark move to reinforce India’s commitment to clean energy and sustainable mobility, the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) has announced plans to procure 500 million units (MU) of renewable energy annually to power its operations. The initiative, part of DMRC’s ongoing efforts to build a low-carbon transport ecosystem, represents one of the largest renewable energy procurements by any metro rail system in the country.

This strategic step will significantly accelerate Delhi Metro’s renewable energy transition, aligning with India’s national climate goals and supporting its “Panchamrit” commitments announced at COP26.

A Call for Clean Energy Partnerships

According to the tender floated by DMRC, the corporation is seeking to select a ‘solar power developer’ to establish a grid-connected captive generating plant along with a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) anywhere in India.

The generated power will be supplied to the DMRC under a 25-year power purchase agreement (PPA), ensuring long-term stability and sustainability. The project is expected to be completed within 15 months of award, marking a swift turnaround in the metro’s renewable integration journey.

DMRC officials stated that this tender aims to secure a reliable supply of green electricity to power metro operations across its existing network and the upcoming Phase IV expansion, which will add several new corridors to Delhi’s ever-growing rapid transit system.

Building on an Impressive Renewable Foundation

Delhi Metro is no stranger to clean energy adoption. Currently, it meets about 33% of its total electricity requirement through renewable sources. It already procures 350 MU annually from the Rewa Solar Park in Madhya Pradesh and generates another 40 MU through rooftop solar installations across its stations, depots, and residential complexes.

During daytime operations, nearly 65% of the metro’s power consumption is already sourced from clean energy.

This new initiative aims to more than double that percentage, bringing renewable energy’s share to over 60% of total power consumption — a first for any metro system in India.

“The present renewable energy penetration in DMRC is about 33% of the total power usage during operational hours,” said an official. “With this step, we aim to achieve more than 60% renewable integration and set a benchmark for low-carbon metro systems globally.”

A Defining Step in Urban Sustainability

If achieved, this milestone will make the Delhi Metro the first mass transit system in India to run primarily on renewable power, surpassing the halfway mark of clean energy dependency. It underscores India’s growing emphasis on low-carbon infrastructure and energy-efficient public transport.

The transition not only reduces greenhouse gas emissions but also positions Delhi Metro as a global example of how large-scale urban infrastructure can align with sustainable development goals (SDGs).

Beyond operational benefits, the initiative is expected to reduce Delhi Metro’s annual carbon footprint significantly, contributing to cleaner air in the National Capital Region (NCR) — one of the world’s most pollution-affected areas.

Aligning with India’s National Climate Commitments

This move supports the Indian government’s ‘Panchamrit’ climate action framework, announced at the COP26 climate summit, which sets ambitious goals for clean energy expansion and carbon neutrality.

Among these goals are:

• Reaching 500 GW of non-fossil fuel energy capacity by 2030
• Meeting 50% of energy needs from renewable sources
• Reducing total projected carbon emissions by 1 billion tonnes
• Achieving net-zero emissions by 2070

The Delhi Metro’s commitment directly complements these national objectives, making it a symbol of India’s urban climate leadership.

Green Infrastructure Meets Smart Energy Storage

A standout feature of the upcoming project is the inclusion of a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS). This technology ensures grid stability and allows for energy storage during low-demand periods, which can then be used during peak hours.

This hybrid system enhances operational resilience while optimizing energy usage — crucial for a 24/7 mass transit network like DMRC.

Experts note that the integration of BESS with renewable power is a forward-looking decision that reflects global best practices. It also enables DMRC to manage fluctuations in renewable generation while ensuring uninterrupted power supply across its network.

Economic and Environmental Impact

The economic benefits of this renewable transition are as significant as its environmental ones. Over the 25-year contract period, DMRC stands to save substantially on energy costs, thanks to the lower tariffs associated with renewable power procurement.

Moreover, this large-scale green shift will contribute to India’s renewable energy economy, attracting private investment in solar and hybrid infrastructure. The tender is expected to generate new opportunities for green developers, storage technology providers, and local renewable energy enterprises.

Setting a Precedent for Other Metro Systems

Delhi Metro’s ambitious renewable energy roadmap is expected to inspire similar initiatives in other Indian cities, including Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, and Hyderabad, which are expanding their metro networks.

As India urbanizes rapidly, sustainable public transport will play a key role in curbing carbon emissions and improving urban air quality. The DMRC’s proactive approach serves as a model for integrating renewable power into mass transit infrastructure, balancing technological innovation with environmental responsibility.

“Delhi Metro’s clean energy vision is not just about running trains on green power; it’s about reimagining how cities can move sustainably,” said an energy analyst. “This initiative could redefine the future of Indian urban mobility.”

A Vision for a Low-Carbon Future

Delhi Metro’s renewable expansion is part of its larger green mobility vision, which includes:

• Energy-efficient rolling stock
• Regenerative braking systems
• Extensive tree plantation drives
• Rainwater harvesting at stations and depots
• Wastewater recycling systems

With its latest tender, DMRC is poised to move one step closer to becoming a fully sustainable, low-carbon transport system, reaffirming its position as a leader in Asia’s urban climate transition.

India’s Metro of the Future

The Delhi Metro’s 500 MU renewable energy bid represents more than an infrastructure upgrade — it’s a visionary stride towards a decarbonized future. By integrating clean energy, advanced storage, and sustainable practices, DMRC is proving that urban mobility can be both efficient and environmentally conscious.

As India accelerates its renewable energy transition, the Delhi Metro stands as a symbol of what’s possible when innovation meets intent — a future where every ride contributes to a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable world.

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