Suzlon and Jindal Renewables forge transformative wind power agreement to advance steel industry decarbonisation

Suzlon Group and Jindal Renewables have signed a significant agreement for a 400 MW captive wind power project, targeting the decarbonisation of India’s steel production processes. This collaboration constitutes a substantial advancement for renewable energy integration within heavy industry and underscores India’s broader transition towards sustainable and environmentally responsible manufacturing practices.

The wind power initiative, slated for execution in Karnataka’s Koppal region, will encompass the deployment of 127 advanced S144 wind turbine generators, each boasting a rated capacity of 3.15 MW. The generated electricity will be utilised for captive consumption in steel manufacturing facilities located in Chhattisgarh and Odisha, thereby significantly mitigating the carbon emissions associated with these operations.

Girish Tanti, Vice Chairman of Suzlon, articulated that this partnership with Jindal Group represents a transformative step towards a low-carbon industrial future. He underscored that utilising wind energy to revolutionise steel production not only redefines industrial sustainability but also aligns with India’s long-term commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2070.

Bharat Saxena, President of Jindal Renewables, emphasised that this collaboration heralds a transformative era in sustainable steel manufacturing. He pointed out that integrating renewable energy into steel production marks a pivotal move towards fulfilling the Jindal Group’s objective of achieving net-zero emissions by 2047. Saxena further expressed his belief that such initiatives will ensure enduring sustainability for the conglomerate.

JP Chalasani, CEO of Suzlon Group, remarked that decarbonising the steel sector is an imperative for realising India’s renewable energy aspirations. He highlighted that this collaboration epitomises the potential of India’s renewable energy sector and exemplifies the power of joint ventures in supporting the ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative, thereby setting a precedent for others in the industry.

Suzlon and Jindal Aim for Green Revolution in Steel Industry

Suzlon will provide 127 wind turbine generators equipped with Hybrid Lattice Tubular towers, which will be installed in Karnataka. This initiative is expected to enhance the sustainability of steel manufacturing operations while contributing to India’s overarching clean energy objectives. Suzlon Group has already positioned itself as a pivotal entity in the renewable energy landscape, with an installed wind energy capacity of 20.8 GW across 17 nations. The group’s cumulative order book now stands at nearly 5.4 GW, reflecting its expansive influence in the sector.

This project represents the inaugural wind energy endeavour for Jindal Renewables, which aspires to pioneer renewable energy projects throughout India. Currently, Jindal Renewables is in the process of developing 3 GW of diversified renewable assets, with ambitious plans to scale up to 12 GW by 2030. The expansion includes considerable investments in green hydrogen production and storage solutions, aligning with their broader decarbonisation strategy.

Expert Insight: Decarbonising Heavy Industries

Energy analysts concur that the integration of renewable energy into steel production is an essential move towards decarbonising one of the most carbon-intensive industries globally. By harnessing renewable energy sources such as wind, companies can substantially curtail greenhouse gas emissions. The collaboration between Suzlon and Jindal is perceived as a pioneering effort that could inspire similar projects across the steel industry and other sectors that are difficult to decarbonise.

Key Takeaways

The alliance between Suzlon Group and Jindal Renewables represents a significant advancement in promoting sustainable industrial practices. By leveraging renewable energy for steel production, this initiative not only advances India’s renewable energy targets but also sets a precedent for similar sustainability projects across other heavy industries within the nation. In the long term, this collaboration is expected to enhance India’s position as a global leader in renewable energy adoption and innovation, further solidifying its role in shaping the future of sustainable industrial practices.