Electrification and smart grid solutions for a sustainable metro life

Initiatives and Innovations by Schneider Electric Promote Efficiency, Reliability, and Green Energy Adoption in Transport Infrastructure

Spokesperson: Udai Singh, Vice President – Power Systems, Schneider Electric

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The electrification of India’s railways and metro systems is pivotal for achieving ambitious climate goals. With significant investments and strategic financing, including international collaborations and innovative financing models, these projects aim to reduce carbon emissions and enhance efficiency. Smart grid technologies further optimise power distribution, integrating renewables for sustainable operations. Schneider Electric’s digital solutions and global best practices accelerate this transition, fostering a cleaner, more efficient transportation sector.

How do you assess the growth in electrification and expansion of railways and metro systems?

India’s extensive railway network and burgeoning metro systems are pivotal for a cleaner, more efficient transportation sector. The government has allocated ₹6500 crores for the fiscal year 2024–25 to complete the electrification of Indian Railways, aligning with ambitious climate goals. Financing these projects involves a comprehensive strategy, considering project scale and financial viability. High-speed rail electrification may require project finance, whereas metro expansions could leverage loans or government grants. Collaboration with international agencies like the Japan International Cooperation Agency, European Investment Bank, and French Development Agency supports metro projects with flexible financial aid. Additionally, institutions like the Indian Railway Finance Corporation secure non-sovereign loans from lenders such as the Asian Development Bank, leasing assets to the Ministry of Railways under long-term agreements. Bank debt financing, with interest rates reflecting project risk, also plays a crucial role.

What are the benefits and challenges of these implementations?

Smart grid technologies are crucial in enhancing electricity systems and boosting railway and metro networks’ efficiency, reliability, and sustainability. Schneider Electric offers innovative solutions like EcoStruxure Microgrid Flex and Power Automation System. These technologies optimise power distribution, cut maintenance costs, and integrate renewable energy sources for stable operation. With a deep understanding of modern railway requirements and extensive industry experience, Schneider Electric delivers high-quality, innovative, cost-effective electrical solutions. Digital technologies such as sensors, digitised power systems, remote monitoring, and data analytics improve reliability and reduce delays. These intelligent solutions monitor and optimise electrical assets across substations, overhead equipment, signalling, telecom systems, and stations, ensuring dependable power distribution. Smart grid advancements are essential globally for modernising electricity systems and ensuring efficient transportation. Schneider Electric’s innovations contribute to a sustainable future, effectively enhancing transport systems to meet future challenges.

What global practices can be adopted to accelerate this transition?

The transportation system is one of the biggest contributors to carbon emissions globally. In a country like India, which has an extensive rail network system and a heavy passenger load, managing the network manually and ensuring efficiency with reduced carbon emissions is becoming increasingly difficult. Our enterprise-level end-to-end digital solutions for metro rail can create collaborative environments for a safe, energy-efficient, reliable, and sustainable rail infrastructure operation. These solutions can lower energy consumption by 25 percent, increase operational efficiency by up to 20 percent, and reduce the total cost of ownership by 15 percent. Our robust software portfolio also allows us to bring seamless and collaborative data flow across the entire lifecycle, from design and build to operation and maintenance. We launched the EcoStruxure Rail platform in India in 2021 to enhance the operational reliability of rail infrastructure by using advanced digital technologies for monitoring and managing rail systems. Not only does it cater to enhanced efficiency and safety requirements, but it also helps in cost savings and is scalable and flexible.

What is the contribution of electrification to sustainability goals and decarbonisation efforts?

Electrification is transforming railways and metros in India, vital in achieving sustainability goals. This shift from diesel locomotives to clean electric power significantly reduces air and noise pollution, especially in congested urban areas. 

Beyond environmental benefits, electrification offers a more efficient future. India’s growing focus on renewable energy sources like solar and wind means the electricity powering our commutes becomes cleaner daily. This reduces dependence on fossil fuels, a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. Electric trains also boast smoother rides and energy-efficient regenerative braking systems.

In line with these sustainability efforts, Schneider Electric is a committed member of the RE100 initiative, which brings together the world’s most influential companies dedicated to 100 percent renewable electricity. Schneider Electric has pledged to source 100 percent of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030. This commitment aligns with global sustainability goals and reinforces Schneider Electric’s leadership in promoting clean energy and circular economy principles across its operations and value chain.