Chennai: In a move that will make Chennai Metro Rail Ltd’s (CMRL) stations even more productive, the department today commissioned roof-top solar panels at three new places – Alandur, St Thomas Mount stations and CMRL Depot at Koyambedu.
A CMRL spokesperson said, “We successfully installed and commissioned 1,120 KWp solar power plant on the roofs of Alandur and St Thomas Mount Metro stations and on the ground at Metro Rail Depot, Koyambedu. This project is expected to generate around 1,51,200 units per month saving around Rs 69,49,152 lakh per year.”
“The project has been executed under the Zero Capital Investment (ZCI) by CMRL and is based on RESCO Model under Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) scheme, on a monthly tariff based payment. This method of generated solar power will be utilised for technical demands. Now, the installed capacity of roof top solar panels by CMRL has a capacity of 3 MW in total. Another 4.6 MW roof top solar panel installation is under progress and is expected to be completed by end of this year,” he added.
Just few days ago, CMRL appointed a consultancy firm for initiating processes to procure electricity from various renewable energy sources like solar, wind, etc., at competitive prices through open access saving Rs One crore on an annual basis.
At that time, the department said such measures are needed for commissioning operational services till Washermanpet Metro station which needs power to the the tune of 20 MVA for traction and non-traction applications.
In October, the department commissioned another 410 KWp solar panel plant on the roof and ground of Metro Rail Depot, Koyambedu. This plant is currently generating around 55,350 units per month saving around Rs 14,49,948 lakh per year.