New Delhi, December 17, 2024: Vedanta Aluminmium India’s largest aluminium producer signed a gas sales argument (GSA) with GAIL Gas Limited, a subsidiary of GAIL(India) Limited to supply natural gas to Vedanta’s Jharsuguda smelter, World’s Largest Aluminium Plant. This transition will significantly lower the carbon footprint, reducing emissions by an estimated 47,292 tonnes of CO₂ equivalent (tCO₂e) annually, this is expected to be operational by the end of 2025.
Implementing a dual strategy, including renewable energy usage while also creating carbon sinks through extensive afforestation efforts, by this Vedanta is committed to achieving Net Zero emissions by 2050. This partnership will support Vedanta’s 430 Kilo tonnes per annum (KTPA) cast house, where molten metal is transformed into aluminium products. The New cast house is designed to produce 250 KTPA of billets and 180 KTPA of other value added products. GAIL Gas Limited will establish a 7.5 km pipeline to supply approximately 32,000 standard cubic metres (SCM) of natural gas per day, with a five year contract term starting upon pipeline commissioning. This will help Vedanta Aluminium’s aim of a clean energy transition operation.
Priya Agarwal Hebbar, Non-Executive Director at Vedanta and Chairperson of Hindustan Zinc Limited, noted, “Sustainability is integral to Vedanta’s mission. Our partnership with GAIL Gas Limited represents our strong commitment to reducing carbon emissions and shifting to cleaner energy solutions. By adopting natural gas at our Jharsuguda operations—the largest aluminium plant in the world we are taking a crucial step toward aligning with India’s clean energy goals and achieving our ESG objectives. This partnership is a significant milestone in our efforts to grow sustainably and build a greener future for the generations to come.”
Sunil Gupta, Chief Operating Officer at Vedanta Aluminium, commented upon signing the agreement, “Vedanta Aluminium’s collaboration with GAIL underscores our determination to lead the aluminium industry in minimizing environmental impact. This agreement aligns with our strategy to cut carbon emissions and increase production capabilities to support India’s growing aluminium demand in key sectors. By embracing cleaner energy solutions, we aim to pave the way for a more sustainable aluminium industry and benefit the communities we serve.”
Natural gas will be the primary fuel of the new cast house, resulting an estimated 62% reduction in Carbon emissions monthly, equivalent to around 3,941 tCO₂e, and 47,292 tCO₂e annually, aligning with Vedanta Aluminium’s broader goal of sustainable, low-emission production.
Vedanta Aluminium’s products, including billets, primary foundry alloys (PFA), wire rods, and various types of ingots, have earned certification from Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) International, demonstrating the company’s adherence to high sustainability standards. These products underwent an extensive Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and performed exceptionally well in areas like energy efficiency, greenhouse gas emissions, water usage, and waste generation. This achievement underscores Vedanta Aluminium’s commitment to implementing advanced manufacturing practices and environmentally responsible initiatives, ensuring sustainability throughout the aluminium value chain, from suppliers to customers. Additionally, the company’s Jharsuguda plant in Odisha has been certified by the Aluminium Stewardship Initiative (ASI) for its exceptional sustainability performance, a prestigious indicator in the global sustainability arena. Vedanta also holds multiple certifications from the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), reflecting its dedication to quality excellence.
Vedanta Aluminium, a part of Vedanta Limited, is India’s largest aluminium producer, accounting for over 50% of the nation’s aluminium production, with a total output of 2.37 million tonnes in FY24. The company is a leader in producing value-added aluminium products for essential industries. Vedanta Aluminium secured the top spot in the S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment 2023 for the aluminium industry, marking its leadership in sustainable practices. With its advanced aluminium smelters, alumina refinery, and power plants in India, Vedanta Aluminium is driving the development of aluminium as the ‘Metal of the Future,’ supporting a more sustainable tomorrow.
