Ms. Angela Merkel, German Chancellor visits Solar Plant at Dwarka Sector – 21 Metro Station

Ms. Angela Merkel, Chancellor of Germany, visited DMRC’s first roof top solar power plant installed in 2014 at Dwarka Sector – 21 metro station. The plant has been in operation for more than 05 years and has generated 3.3 Million units since commissioning, thereby meeting nearly 35% of the energy requirement of the station.

This plant is a shining example of Indo – German collaboration in the field of renewable energy. During the visit, she was accompanied by Ms. Julia Klockner, Minister for Food & Agriculture, Germany.

DMRC had installed 500 kWp solar plant on the roof of this metro station in 2014, based on the feasibility report prepared by GIZ, Germany and vetted by Lehmeyer International, Germany.

In October 2012, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed by DMRC with GIZ (Gesellschaftfür Internationale Zusammenarbeit), a Non-Profit group of Germany to develop a feasible business model using solar photovoltaic technology for electricity generation and demonstration. GIZ had surveyed DMRC premises, & prepared reports for three sample sites (Yamuna Bank Depot for Inclined Roof, Yamuna Bank metro station for Curved Roof, and Dwarka Sector – 21 metro station for Flat Roof).

Successful implementation of this pilot project of 500 kWp capacity with the support of Solar Energy Corporation of Indiapaved way for many more Solar Roof Top installations and till date 32.4 MWp of roof-top solar capacity has been commissioned on DMRC premises in Delhi and NCR.

This rooftop capacity of 32.4 MWp is spread over 14 metro train depots, 61 metro stations and 3 residential complexes of DMRC. All these are on RESCO model, where No capital investment is made by DMRC. The installed capacity of 32.4 MWp will cut down CO2 emissions by nearly 34,000 tonnes per year and this solar project is registered under Clean Development Mechanism with UNFCCC and will earn carbon credits for DMRC.

Keeping in view the alarming pollution level in the city, visit of German Chancellor to the solar plant installed on a public transport network, puts the spot light back on the need of using clean energy and to identify steps to cut down emissions.

On the occasion, MD, DMRC Dr. Mangu Singh reiterated DMRC’s commitment to provide reliable, sustainable and clean transport system to the city.