Balconagar, 16th December 2024: Bharat Aluminium Company Limited (BALCO), India’s iconic aluminium producer and a unit of Vedanta Aluminium, reaffirms its steadfast commitment to energy conservation through the adoption of sustainable and innovative operational practices. In alignment with its sustainability objectives, BALCO has undertaken strategic initiatives like use of green fuels, biodiesel, electric forklifts, and the digitalization of operations, enhancing energy efficiency, advancing decarbonization, and imparting positive environmental impacts.
BALCO, to ensure sustainable use of energy, has incorporated a diversified energy mix comprising renewable energy, biomass, and biodiesel, thereby significantly increasing the share of green energy in its operations. The introduction of six electric forklifts has been a pivotal step towards complete electrification of material handling equipment which has resulted in the annual reduction of over 93,000 litres of diesel consumption. The company has also advanced its operational efficiency and sustainability through the digitalisation of fleet management, which has streamlined vehicle usage and further reduced emissions by 48 tonnes of CO₂ annually.
Further bolstering its environmental sustainability, BALCO has adopted biodiesel, a cleaner alternative derived from organic materials, which aligns with Vedanta Aluminium’s Vision for Net Zero Carbon. The use of biodiesel has facilitated an energy saving of 22,000 Giga Joules in 2022, which increased significantly to 24,587 Giga Joules by 2024. Additionally, the company has reduced energy consumption in its smelters through the graphitisation of pots, achieving power savings of 150 kW per metric tonne of aluminium produced. As part of its broader sustainability agenda of ‘Zero Harm, Zero Waste, Zero Discharge,’ BALCO has also reduced 246 tonnes of CO₂ emissions in its operations and is resolute to achieve net water positivity by 2030 and zero carbon emissions by 2050.
Mr. Rajesh Kumar, CEO & Director, BALCO speaking on energy conservation said, “BALCO remains deeply committed to fostering a sustainable future. Our energy-efficient practices form the cornerstone of our operational ethos, reflecting our dedication to responsible energy utilization and environmental stewardship. Through innovation, awareness, and collaboration, we strive to set benchmarks in sustainable business practices and contribute meaningfully to the creation of a greener world.”
Additionally, BALCO’s sustained efforts in energy conservation have also earned it prestigious accolades like the ‘PAT Top Performer’ Award 2023 under the Government of India’s Perform, Achieve, and Trade (PAT) Scheme. Such recognitions, combined with the company’s innovative practices, underscore BALCO’s standing as one of India’s most energy-efficient companies and an industry leader in sustainable operations.
