TFP Bureau, Korba, December 17, 2024: Bharat Aluminium Company Limited (BALCO), a unit of Vedanta Aluminium and one of India’s leading aluminium producers, has reaffirmed its dedication to sustainability by adopting cutting-edge energy conservation practices. Through initiatives such as green fuel adoption, biodiesel usage, electric forklifts, and operational digitalization, the company has made strides in reducing energy consumption, decarbonizing operations, and enhancing environmental sustainability.
BALCO has expanded its energy mix to include renewable energy sources such as biomass and biodiesel, significantly boosting the share of green energy in its operations. A key step in this journey has been the introduction of six electric forklifts, replacing diesel-powered equipment. This shift has reduced annual diesel consumption by over 93,000 litres, cutting emissions by 48 tonnes of CO₂ each year. Further, the company’s digitalization of fleet management has optimized vehicle utilization, streamlining operations and contributing to its decarbonization efforts.
In alignment with Vedanta Aluminium’s Net Zero Carbon Vision, BALCO has prioritized the use of biodiesel, a sustainable fuel alternative derived from organic materials. This practice led to an energy saving of 22,000 Giga Joules in 2022, which grew to 24,587 Giga Joules by 2024. The company has also achieved energy savings in its smelting operations by implementing graphitization of pots, reducing power consumption by 150 kW per metric tonne of aluminium produced. These efforts have collectively lowered BALCO’s CO₂ emissions by 246 tonnes annually.
BALCO’s sustainability agenda extends beyond energy conservation to include ambitious goals such as achieving net water positivity by 2030 and zero carbon emissions by 2050, aligning with its broader philosophy of “Zero Harm, Zero Waste, Zero Discharge.”
Commenting on these achievements, Mr. Rajesh Kumar, CEO & Director of BALCO, said, “BALCO remains steadfast in its commitment to sustainability, adopting innovative and energy-efficient practices to foster a greener future. Our efforts reflect our dedication to responsible resource management, environmental stewardship, and setting benchmarks for sustainable business operations.”
BALCO’s exemplary performance in energy conservation has garnered it notable recognition, including the ‘PAT Top Performer’ Award 2023 under the Government of India’s Perform, Achieve, and Trade (PAT) Scheme. These accolades further cement BALCO’s position as an industry leader in sustainable and energy-efficient practices.
By integrating innovation, green energy, and advanced technologies, BALCO continues to contribute meaningfully to the global drive for sustainability and decarbonization, setting a benchmark for industries worldwide.
