IR plans self-sufficiency in energy

The Cabinet has approved on 8 Jan 2020 a Memorandum of Understanding with United Kingdom’s Department for International Development to work on a project as a part of the endeavor for enabling energy efficiency and energy self-sufficiency for the Indian Railways.

The MoU signed on 2 Dec 2019 by Railway Ministry and the Department for following understanding:

The Parties agree on the scope of activities to be undertaken as a part of the endeavor for enabling energy efficiency and energy self-sufficiency for the Indian Railways.

Each Participant will, subject to the laws, rules, regulations and national policies from time to time in force governing the subject matter in their respective countries, endeavour to take necessary steps to enable energy efficiency and energy self-sufficiency for Indian Railways.

The parties agree for Energy planning for Indian Railways i.e. Solar & Wind Energy sector, adopting energy efficiency practices, enabling fuel efficiency, Electric Vehicle charging infrastructure deployment, Battery operated Shunting Locomotives. Capacity development like training programmes, industrial visits, field visits among others or any other form pf cooperation may be approved in writing by the Participants.

The Participants will coordinate the activities, as appropriate, under this MoU. Nothing in this MoU will be construed to prejudice existing or future arrangements for co­operation between the participants.

Blither participant may request in writing a revision, modification or amendment to all or any part of this MoU. Any revision, modification or amendment approved by the Participants will form part of the revised MoU. Such revision, modification or amendment will come into effect on such date as may be determined by the Participants.

This MoU shall come into force on its signing by the duly authorized representatives of the Parties and any of the Party may terminate this MoU by written communication addressed to the other, in which case, termination of MoU shall take effect six months after receipt of such written communication.

The termination of this MoU will not affect the implementation of ongoing projects and or programmes which have been agreed before the date of the termination of this MoU. Necessarily, areas of cooperation and forms of cooperation will continue to be enforced for ongoing projects and programmes which have been agreed before the date of the termination of this MoU.

Any dispute or difference between the Parties shall be settled through mutual consultations and negotiations between the participants.

Ministry of Railways have signed MoUs and MoCs for cooperation covering technical, policy, research & commercial aspects in field of development of energy sector. The objective of the programme is to support structural reforms and the integration of renewable energy into the electricity grid. To be more specific, it aims to achieve more sustainable and inclusive economic growth, better energy security and reduced carbon emissions.

The MoUs and MoCs provide a platform for Indian Railways to interact and share the latest developments and knowledge in the railway sector.

The MoUs and MoCs facilitate exchange of technical experts, reports and technical documents, training and seminars/workshops focusing on specific technology areas like Renewable Energy and other interactions for knowledge sharing. fiinews.com