Pioneering Sustainable Energy Production at Manesar Plant
Maruti Suzuki India Ltd (MSIL) has taken a significant step towards environmental sustainability by launching a pilot biogas plant at its Manesar facility. This initiative aligns with the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy’s ‘Waste to Energy’ program and underscores the company’s commitment to innovative waste management solutions and green manufacturing practices.
The biogas plant, designed to produce 0.2 tonnes of biogas daily, is expected to yield approximately 100,000 standard cubic meters of biogas in the fiscal year 2024-25. By using in-house food waste and Napier grass, cultivated on-site, the plant will offset around 190 tonnes of CO2 annually. The purified biogas will be used in the facility’s canteen and production processes, with the residual organic manure utilized for internal horticulture, creating a zero-discharge model.
Significant Investments in Renewable Energy
Maruti Suzuki has pledged an investment of Rs 450 crore over the next three years towards renewable energy projects, including solar power and biogas. In the fiscal year 2023-24 alone, the company invested Rs 120.8 crore in commissioning these initiatives. This substantial investment reflects MSIL’s dedication to enhancing its environmental sustainability efforts and transitioning its operations towards greater eco-friendliness.
Hisashi Takeuchi, Managing Director & CEO of Maruti Suzuki India, emphasized the importance of energy in the manufacturing process, stating, “As we ramp up our production capacity from around 2 million to 4 million by 2030-31, we are also accelerating our efforts to increase the share of sustainable and renewable energy sources across our operations. This is in line with Suzuki’s Environment Vision 2050 and the Government of India’s renewable energy focus.”
Expansion of Solar Power Capacity
In addition to the biogas plant, Maruti Suzuki is expanding its solar power capabilities at both its Manesar and Kharkhoda facilities. In FY24, the company increased its solar capacity to 43.2 MWp. Over the next two years, it plans to add 15 MWp of solar capacity at the Manesar plant and 20 MWp at the Kharkhoda plant, aiming for a total solar capacity of 78.2 MWp by FY26. These efforts are aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and highlight Maruti Suzuki’s proactive approach to integrating renewable energy sources into its operations.
Takeuchi further commented, “We strategically invest in our existing and upcoming facilities to ensure they are environmentally sustainable by optimizing energy consumption, integrating renewable energy sources, implementing efficient waste management protocols, and conserving water resources. The learnings from this pilot will be implemented at our upcoming world-class manufacturing facilities.”
Commitment to a Greener Future
Maruti Suzuki’s initiatives at the Manesar facility are a testament to its unwavering commitment to sustainable practices, effective waste management, carbon footprint reduction, and bolstering energy security. As the company continues to innovate and invest in renewable energy projects, it sets a benchmark for the industry and contributes to a cleaner, more sustainable energy landscape.
