Hindalco Launches EV Fleet for Sustainable Transport

Hindalco Industries, the flagship metals company of the Aditya Birla Group, has launched an important sustainability project at its Aditya Aluminium plant in Odisha.

The company flagged off its first set of EV bulkers to transport fly ash to the cement industry, marking a leap toward reducing carbon emissions and operating more sustainably. Hindalco is further setting up two EV recharge stations near the fly ash loading point, aiming to improve the efficiency of green transportation operations.

The initiative aligns with Hindalco's ongoing commitment to achieving net-zero emissions and reducing its carbon footprint. The plant expects to reduce 3,500 tonnes of CO2 emissions annually while reducing freight costs by Rs 1.5 crore.

The initiative aligns with Hindalco's broader vision of promoting sustainable practices across its operations and embracing a circular economy.

EV bulkers for sustainable transport

Hindalco's use of EVs for bulk fly ash transport is part of the company's broader push to decarbonise its operations.

Fly ash, a waste by-product of aluminium production constitutes about 35% of the volume of cement produced and can be repurposed as an input material in cement manufacturing. Hindalco supplies around four million tonnes of fly ash from its plants in India to the cement industry annually.

By switching from diesel-powered trucks to EVs, Hindalco is taking a substantial step toward reducing its environmental impact. The electric bulkers will transport fly ash to cement plants, helping Hindalco deliver both a greener transportation system and a circular economy solution.

Sukanta Das, President and Chief Logistics Officer at Hindalco Industries, comments on the milestone: "This marks an important milestone as we induct the first set of EVs into our transportation fleet. These EVs will play a pivotal role in transporting our critical waste, Fly Ash, to the cement industry as an input material, contributing to a greener transportation system and the circular economy."

Enhancing sustainability with LNG and rail transportation

In addition to introducing EVs, Hindalco focuses on scaling its green transportation initiatives further. The company is working on expanding the use of liquefied natural gas (LNG) and EVs for road transport while growing the use of rail transport.

Hindalco is connecting its new mines and plant locations to India's extensive rail network, which will help reduce transportation emissions further.

The multifaceted approach demonstrates Hindalco's dedication to integrating sustainable practices into every aspect of its operations. By investing in low-emission transportation technologies, Hindalco is leading the way in reducing carbon and supporting India's climate goals.

Using waste for sustainable cement production

Hindalco's commitment to sustainability extends beyond transportation. The company actively promotes the use of waste materials in the production of blended cement. Materials such as fly ash, ETP sludge, red mud, spent pot liners and FGD waste are ingredients in manufacturing eco-friendly cement, such as Portland Pozzolana Cement (PPC) and composite cement, which help conserve finite natural resources.

Hindalco supplies copper slag, a byproduct of its copper smelting process, for use in ready-mix concrete, replacing sand and contributing to sustainable construction practices. The comprehensive waste management approach plays a significant role in Hindalco's circular economy vision.

Hindalco's global sustainability leadership

Hindalco's drive for sustainability is not limited to its transportation practices and waste management efforts. It has been at the forefront of climate action and emission reduction programs.

Hindalco's 100 MW round-the-clock carbon-free power project at its Odisha smelter is a prime example of its commitment to reducing its carbon footprint. The project earned Hindalco the prestigious Energy Transition Changemaker award at COP28.

From 2020 to 2023, the Dow Jones Sustainability Indices (DJSI) ranked Hindalco as the world's most sustainable aluminium company. With operations in over 10 countries, Hindalco is setting global benchmarks for responsible manufacturing, clean energy integration and sustainable industrial practices.

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