Vedanta Aluminium strives towards sustainability with biomass

Vedanta Aluminium is bolstering the sustainability of its energy sources by embracing biomass briquettes for power generation. Currently, Vedanta is seamlessly integrating 20 tonnes of biomass briquettes daily into its operations at the cutting-edge alumina refinery in Lanjigarh, Odisha.

This initiative is expected to slash the unit’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by more than 10,000 tonnes of CO2 equivalent annually, concurrently reducing its reliance on fossil fuels. Unveiled on Earth Day 2024, this initiative marks a significant leap forward in the company’s quest to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050 or even earlier.

Crafted from agricultural residue obtained from local farmers, these biomass briquettes not only curtail environmental degradation caused by burning but also bolster farmers’ incomes in the regions where Vedanta Aluminium operates. By compensating farmers for their crop stubble, the company not only fosters a circular economy but also uplifts rural livelihoods.

A similar initiative has been successfully implemented at BALCO, India’s iconic aluminum producer and a subsidiary of Vedanta Aluminium situated in Korba, Chhattisgarh. Moreover, the company has inked long-term agreements for power supply, securing 1335 MW of renewable energy to fuel its nationwide operations.

Pranab Kumar Bhattacharyya, CEO – Alumina Business, Vedanta said, “As India works towards integrating cleaner and more sustainable energy systems, the strategic deployment of biomass co-firing within our operations can play a crucial role in achieving emission reduction goals and supporting rural economies. It forms a critical part of our strategy to evaluate emerging technologies towards decarbonising our operations.”

In conjunction with Earth Day, the company organized targeted awareness sessions for farmers in Jharsuguda, Odisha, as part of its development initiative, Jeevika Samriddhi, which aims to enhance income generation through more efficient farming methods. These sessions delved into the preparation and utilization of organic fertilizers for comprehensive nutrient and pest management.

Furthermore, Vedanta Aluminium hosted a Waste to Wealth-themed model competition for children, providing a platform for the next generation to showcase their innovative use of recyclable materials, ranging from old cloth to coconut shells.

The company has also initiated trials of biodiesel as an eco-friendly fuel alternative for its commercial vehicle fleet. Additionally, it has introduced a 10-ton electric forklift, augmenting India’s largest fleet of electric lithium-ion forklifts deployed at its facilities in Odisha and Chhattisgarh. Vedanta Aluminium is committed to achieving net zero emissions by 2050.