UltraTech’s innovative solar initiative promotes sustainability efforts

Floating solar panels on water reservoirs reduce emissions, optimise land usage, and foster ecosystem preservation.

UltraTech’s integrated manufacturing unit, Awarpur Cement Works, has recently installed Floating Solar Photovoltaic panels (FSPVs) across two water reservoirs, covering an area of 3600 square meters. Situated within the unit premises in the mines area, this innovative solar project boasts a DC capacity of 4.096 MWp (3.30 MW AC), facilitated by approximately 7600 solar panels. Expectedly, the project is poised to generate an impressive 6,173 MWh of solar energy annually, significantly contributing to environmental sustainability by curbing approximately 6000 metric tons of CO2 emissions each year. This reduction is equivalent to the environmental benefits derived from the sequestration of emissions by approximately 2.7 lakh mature trees.

Operating under Captive mode, UltraTech is committed to utilising 100 percent of the power generated by the project. Moreover, the water reservoirs utilised for the solar panel installation were originally established as part of the unit’s water harvesting initiatives, boasting a total capacity of 1,10,000 cubic meters of water. Interestingly, the strategic placement of solar panels atop these reservoirs not only facilitates energy generation but also aids in minimising water loss due to evaporation by up to 70 percent.

In addition to its energy-generation prowess, the project is meticulously designed to mitigate any adverse impacts on the local ecosystems. Notably, it contributes to preserving water quality and provides shading, which plays a crucial role in regulating temperature. Furthermore, the utilisation of FSPVs serves to mitigate the rapid proliferation of algae, commonly known as an algal bloom. By embarking on this initiative of harnessing solar power from water bodies, UltraTech aims to optimise land usage, effectively addressing a critical constraint in solar panel deployment, spanning an area of 3600 square meters.

In alignment with its broader sustainability goals, UltraTech is steadfast in its commitment to transitioning towards renewable energy sources. With aspirations to meet 100 percent of its electricity requirements through renewables by 2050 under its RE100 commitment, UltraTech is also a proud member of EP100, pledging to double its energy productivity. As part of its interim targets, UltraTech aims to escalate its overall green energy share from the current 22 percent to 60 percent by FY26, ultimately striving to achieve an 85 percent share of green energy in its total energy mix by 2030. To realise these ambitions, UltraTech has implemented various initiatives, including the adoption of renewable energy sources and the expansion of Waste Heat Recovery Systems (WHRS).

As of Q3FY24, UltraTech boasts an impressive green energy capacity of 719 MW, encompassing 264 MW of WHRS installed capacity and 455 MW of contracted renewable energy. Collectively, this translates to 24 percent of UltraTech’s current energy requirements, marking significant progress towards its sustainability objectives.