Que: Tell us about the technologies Vedanta Aluminium plans to employ to achieve its 30% renewable energy target by 2030?

Ans: At Vedanta Aluminium, we are committed to achieving 30% renewables in our energy mix by 2030, as a crucial milestone on our journey towards Net Zero emissions by 2050 or sooner. To achieve this target, we are adopting a combination of innovative technologies and sustainable practices across our operations. A significant step forward is our partnership with Serentica Renewables, through which we will procure 1.3 GW of solar and wind energy to power our operations in Odisha and Chhattisgarh. We are also integrating alternative fuels like biomass briquettes and pellets made from agricultural waste into our operations, already contributing to an annual reduction of over 16 tonnes of CO2 emissions. Furthermore, our recent collaboration with GAIL Gas to introduce natural gas at our Jharsuguda smelter, set to be operational by 2025, will reduce annual CO2 emissions by approximately 47,292 tonnes. These efforts, combined with our continued advancements in energy efficiency and innovation, ensure a systematic and impactful transition to renewable energy, aligning with our broader sustainability objectives.

Que: Vedanta Aluminium is planning to secure 1.3 GW of renewable energy from Serentica Renewables, how does this partnership fit into the company's broader sustainability agenda?

Ans: The partnership with Serentica Renewables to secure 1.3 GW of solar and wind energy is a part of Vedanta Aluminium's two-fold Net Zero strategy of mitigation and offsetting, aiming to achieve this goal by 2050 or sooner. It boosts the share of renewables in our energy mix, cutting approximately 3.2 million tonnes of CO2 annually, while enhancing resource utilization and transitioning to low-carbon energy sources.

This initiative supports the production expansion of Restora, our green aluminium manufactured using 100% renewable energy, meeting global demand for sustainable materials in construction, automotive, and packaging sectors, while reinforcing our commitment to environmental stewardship and industrial innovation.

Que: What are the company’s strategies for decommissioning old energy systems as it transitions to renewables?

Ans: At Vedanta Aluminium, we have made a firm decision not to add any more coal capacity at our operations. As part of our strategy to transition to renewable energy, we are diversifying our energy mix by incorporating more solar and wind power. This shift is central to our goal of reducing our carbon footprint while ensuring a sustainable energy future.

Simultaneously, we are focused on increasing our aluminium production and smelting capacity to 3 MT by 2026, up from approximately 2.4 million tonnes currently. This growth is aligned with our commitment to sustainable operations, enabling us to scale up production while phasing out old energy systems in favor of cleaner, renewable alternatives.

Que: How does the memorandum of understanding (MoU) with PwC complement Vedanta’s existing sustainability strategies?

Ans: Our collaboration with PwC India is helping us strengthen biodiversity conservation and reduce carbon emissions in Odisha, particularly in Jharsuguda. This partnership focuses on carbon sequestration projects, habitat restoration, and innovative afforestation techniques like the Miyawaki method to create dense, biodiverse forests. These projects not only improve local ecosystems but also enhance carbon absorption, aligning with our sustainability goals.

We are also engaging with local communities by distributing 2,000 improved energy-efficient cookstoves, which reduce reliance on traditional fuels and improve air quality. By integrating advanced tools like GIS mapping and biodiversity risk assessment frameworks, we aim to ensure long-term ecological and community benefits. This partnership reflects our holistic approach to balancing industrial growth with environmental responsibility.

The program also includes restoring degraded lands to ensure no net biodiversity loss, guided by detailed habitat development plans in collaboration with NGOs and Biodiversity Management Committees (BMCs). By integrating spatial mapping and data-driven approaches, we are trying to address ecological imbalances and bolster sustainable growth.

Que: What legislative or regulatory challenges does Vedanta face in implementing renewable energy solutions?

Ans: Vedanta Aluminium is strategically heading towards a seamless transition to renewable energy by diversifying our energy mix with solar, wind, and other low-carbon energy sources. However, the regulatory landscape governing renewable energy integration can be complex, with variations in policies and frameworks across different states. Issues such as grid connectivity limits, renewable energy certificates (RECs), and power purchase agreements (PPAs) can make it challenging to implement large-scale renewable projects.

To overcome these challenges, we believe that closer public-private partnerships (PPP) are essential for the effective implementation of policies and investments. Collaborative efforts with government bodies and other stakeholders will help streamline regulations and ensure the smooth deployment of renewable energy solutions, accelerating India’s transition to a sustainable energy future.

Que: What are the anticipated benefits and challenges associated with obtaining environmental clearances for Vedanta Aluminium's proposed bauxite mine, and how does this project align with the company's sustainability objectives and supply chain strategies?

Ans: Obtaining environmental clearances for Vedanta Aluminium's proposed bauxite mine will yield significant benefits, both operationally and sustainably. Through vertical integration and the ownership of the mine, we will substantially reduce costs and carbon footprint. This ownership gives us better control over the mining processes, enabling the adoption of advanced technologies and ensuring efficient, cost-effective operations. By directly managing bauxite extraction, we will secure a consistent and reliable supply of raw materials for our alumina refinery, improving profit margins and strengthening our supply chain resilience.

Aligned with our sustainability objectives, the project emphasizes environmentally friendly mining practices that minimize land disturbance and improve waste management. Our commitment to rehabilitation and reclamation, including returning mined land to its natural form or making it commercially viable post-mining, supports our broader goals of sustainability and ecological restoration, ensuring that the project contributes positively to both business growth and environmental stewardship.