2023
On August 31, 2023, USAID’s SAREP program organized a virtual workshop on the ‘Importance of Performance Monitoring of Rooftop Solar Assets for High Energy Yield’ for the Indian Railways. The workshop highlighted the performance of Rooftop Solar (RTS) installations across various zones and production units of Indian railways. It further discussed the role of operations and maintenance in increasing RTS performance, importance of generation data monitoring, and presented the analysis, findings and recommendations from the yearlong exercise conducted by SAREP in association with Indian Railways. This online event was a comprehensive gathering of experts, stakeholders, and enthusiasts to explore various aspects of Renewable Energy (RE) integration in the Indian Railways, with a specific focus on Rooftop Solar (RTS) projects.
Mr. Sumedh Aggarwal, Deputy Chief of Party, USAID’s SAREP extended a warm welcome to all participants, setting a positive and collaborative tone for the event.
Mr. Manish Gupta, Executive Director of EEM at Indian Railways, provided the essential context regarding the state of RE integration within the Indian Railways network.
Mr. Atul Dhir, Renewable Energy Specialist at USAID’s SAREP, shared insights into the RTS project development value chain. He emphasized the pivotal role of O&M in ensuring optimal RTS performance and highlighted the significance of generation data monitoring.
Mr. Ramayan Singh, Energy Efficiency Specialist at USAID’s SAREP, delved into the RTS generation data monitoring framework. He presented findings from annual analyses at the Zone level, shedding light on successful strategies and areas that required improvement.
Mr. Deepanker Bishnoi, Renewable Energy Specialist at USAID’s SAREP, explored online generation data monitoring. He discussed how to make the best use of existing remote monitoring units and data monitoring tools and offered potential solutions for new assets.
Mr. D.L Meena, Chief Electrical Engineer (EEM) at West Central Railway, shared the operation and maintenance practices adopted by WCR to enhance RTS performance.
A crucial part of the event was the live interactive polls and speakers answering the question posted by the live audience. This allowed for a deeper exploration of the topics covered and provided a platform for knowledge sharing and collaboration.
Towards the end, Mr. Sumedh Aggarwal expressed gratitude to all participants, speakers, and organizers for their contributions and active participation throughout the event.
Mr. Manish Gupta provided closing remarks, summarizing key takeaways from the event, and highlighting the importance of continued efforts in advancing renewable energy integration within the Indian Railways network.
Over 200 members, including Heads of Departments, SrDEE(G)s, and DyCEEs representing 23 division/zone and production units of the Indian Railways participated in the workshop. This collaboration with SAREP program underscores the Indian Railway’s commitment to its net zero initiatives and its vision for a more sustainable railway system in the future.
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