The Business Bytes
TBB BUREAU
LANJIGARH, FEB 19, 2024
In a groundbreaking move towards sustainable operations, Vedanta Lanjigarh, a flagship producer of metallurgical grade alumina under Vedanta Aluminium, has successfully trialed biodiesel as a green alternative for its fleet of commercial vehicles. This initiative, conducted at Lanjigarh in Kalahandi District of Odisha, marks a significant step in the company’s commitment to reducing emissions and embracing eco-friendly practices.
Derived from biomass, biodiesel serves as a renewable substitute for conventional diesel, significantly lowering greenhouse gas emissions when burned. By incorporating biodiesel into its operations, Vedanta Lanjigarh not only enhances operational efficiency but also makes substantial contributions to curbing carbon emissions and reducing fuel consumption.
This pilot project aligns with Vedanta Aluminium’s overarching goal of achieving net zero carbon by 2050, or even earlier, emphasizing the company’s dedication to environmental stewardship.
A similar endeavor has already been implemented at BALCO, the company’s unit in Korba, Chhattisgarh, underscoring Vedanta’s holistic approach towards sustainability across its operations.
In addition to embracing biodiesel, Vedanta Lanjigarh has also introduced electric forklifts at its state-of-the-art alumina refinery in Odisha, further bolstering its green fleet initiative. This move is part of the company’s larger commitment to decarbonize 100 per cent of its Light Motor Vehicle (LMV) fleet by 2030 and 75 per cent of its mining fleet by 2035, in line with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDG7).
Speaking about Vedanta Lanjigarh’s climate action endeavours, Vedanta Ltd. CEO – Alumina Business, Pranab Kumar Bhattacharyya, said, “At Vedanta Aluminium, we have adopted a two-pronged approach to climate action which includes reducing our carbon footprint and offsetting emissions. Transitioning to greener fuels is a stride towards reducing our carbon footprint. By substantially reducing the proportion of diesel needed to power commercial vehicles, Vedanta Lanjigarh is determined to take the lead in incorporating sustainability in every aspect of its business. This forms a critical part of our strategy to evaluate and deploy emerging technologies towards decarbonising our operations and strengthen our position as an ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) leader.”
Vedanta Lanjigarh’s commitment to sustainability has garnered recognition on various platforms, including the recent accolade at the Odisha State Energy Conservation Award 2023 for its energy conservation efforts. Notable achievements in this realm include being honored as the Best Energy Efficient unit by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) in the Chandigarh and Hyderabad Circles, as well as receiving recognition for energy reduction practices under the Bureau of Energy Efficiency, Government of India.
Vedanta Aluminium, a flagship business of Vedanta Limited, stands as India’s largest producer of aluminium, spearheading the manufacturing of over half of India’s aluminium output. Renowned for its value-added aluminium products crucial to core industries, Vedanta Aluminium has secured the top spot in the S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment 2023 world rankings for the aluminium industry, highlighting its unwavering commitment to sustainable practices.
With its cutting-edge aluminium smelters, alumina refinery, and power plants, Vedanta Aluminium remains steadfast in its mission to propel the applications of aluminium as the ‘Metal of the Future,’ paving the way for a greener tomorrow.
