The Business Bytes
Lanjigarh, May 04, 2024 (TBB Bureau): Vedanta Limited, Lanjigarh, India’s premier producer of smelter grade alumina and a unit of Vedanta Aluminium, recently launched anadvanced Energy Management System across its power plant. This system is poised to revolutionize energy efficiency practices by monitoring 120 critical electrical assets, thereby optimizing energy consumption across the entire plant. The initiative underscores Vedanta’s commitment to digitalization efforts aimed at enhancing functional optimization and automating refinery operations.
The newly implemented Energy Management System is a pivotal tool within the manufacturing sector, enabling systematic monitoring, analysis, control, and optimization of critical assets. It offers an integrated solution for monitoring energy distribution and equipment reliability, equipped with trigger systems to detect unexpected deviations. Additionally, it provides quality checks and recommendations for energy improvements, ultimately leading to enhanced overall energy efficiency. Leveraging a data-driven approach, the system operates through a central database, ensuring comprehensive consolidation of the refinery’s operations.
Given the substantial energy requirements of the alumina refining process, primarily met by a captive co-generation power plant, the adoption of advanced, automated, and data-driven processes like the Energy Management System is crucial. Not only does it enhance operational efficiency, but it also contributes to significant reductions in GHG (Greenhouse Gas) emissions. This move aligns with Vedanta’s commitment to achieving Net Zero Carbon by 2050 or earlier, as part of its ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) goals, through the incorporation of innovative and leading technologies.
Speaking on the occasion, Pranab Kumar Bhattacharyya, CEO – Alumina Business, Vedanta Ltd, emphasized the company’s dedication to sustainable operations, stating, “Our pursuit of operations excellence is deeply rooted in a sustainable business model. Through initiatives such as Energy Management Systems, we are committed towards bolstering our energy efficiency. In an industry that requires an uninterrupted supply of energy, we are integrating cleaner and more sustainable energy systems to significantly reduce our carbon footprint, thereby shaping a prosperous and sustainable future for all.”
Vedanta’s alumina refinery has garnered numerous accolades for its energy efficiency initiatives, receiving recognition from various Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) circles and the Bureau of Energy Efficiency, Government of India. These awards highlight the refinery’s exceptional performance in energy efficiency, utilization of renewable energy sources, and improvements in energy utilization through comprehensive analysis.
Vedanta Aluminium has pledged to reach Net Zero emissions by 2050 or earlier, employing a dual approach. Firstly, it aims to diminish its carbon footprint by bolstering operational efficiency and augmenting the proportion of renewables in its energy portfolio. Concurrently, Vedanta Aluminium plans to counterbalance its carbon emissions through extensive afforestation initiatives. By operating in this manner, the company not only facilitates broader global access to sustainably manufactured, premium-quality aluminum but also contributes significantly to fostering a greener future for our planet.
Vedanta Aluminium has made significant strides in its sustainability efforts, evidenced by various achievements in recent years. In Fiscal Year 2023, the company successfully reduced its GHG emissions intensity by approximately 8% compared to the baseline established in Fiscal Year 2021, all while increasing production by approximately 16%. Moreover, during the same period, Vedanta Aluminium demonstrated its commitment to responsible water management by recycling over 15 billion litres of water across its operations. Notably, the company achieved an impressive 11% reduction in water withdrawal from freshwater sources and saved a substantial 1.5 million cubic metres of freshwater usage. Additionally, Vedanta Aluminium doubled its waste utilization rate to 200% in Fiscal Year 2023, thereby enhancing circular economy practices. Furthermore, the company engaged in community-focused initiatives, collaborating on over 60 projects aimed at restoring rural community water bodies. These accomplishments underscore Vedanta Aluminium’s dedication to sustainability and environmental stewardship across its operations.
