Planet

Pumped hydro project

With an aim to make our smelters green, we entered into a commercial agreement with Greenko Group, one of India’s largest renewable energy companies. The agreement entails the provision of RTC carbon-free electricity for our Odisha smelter for 25 years. This initiative will help us enable an annual reduction of 680,000 MT of CO2 through 100 MW of captive power, which shall be enhanced to 350 MW in the future.

The project is slated to be the first such in the world for the aluminium sector. Hindalco could become the first aluminium company in the country to use RTC's carbon-free power for smelting.

Energy storage technologies

We are advancing energy storage technologies through innovative partnerships and cutting-edge research. One such initiative is our collaboration with Phinergy for the pilot production of aluminium-air batteries and the recycling of their components after use. Additionally, we are exploring the long-term potential of vanadium redox flow batteries, which can be manufactured using vanadium sludge produced at our alumina refineries to aid in smelter decarbonisation. Furthermore, we employ Li-Ion batteries to provide backup power at multiple mining sites, underscoring our commitment to sustainable and efficient energy solutions.

Mineralisation

In collaboration with Carbon8, a leading global mineralisation player, we have launched a pilot project to sequester CO2 through advanced mineralisation techniques. This innovative process allows us to utilise red mud, a byproduct of our manufacturing process. Red mud is combined with lime which reacts with CO2 to produce construction aggregates. These aggregates are then mixed with cement to make concrete suitable for construction applications, turning waste into valuable resources and contributing to our sustainability goals.

Red mud utilisation

Hindalco is the world’s first company to achieve 100% red mud utilisation across three of its refineries. Red mud, a byproduct of the alumina manufacturing process, is rich in iron oxides, alumina, silica and alkali. The cement industry has developed the capability to process red mud as a replacement for mined minerals such as laterite and lithomarge, thereby reducing its dependence on natural resources and promoting a circular economy. Currently, 2.87 million MT by 2.65 million MT of red mud has been utilised with over 50% of the total red mud primarily sent to cement companies for use in ready-mix concrete. Additionally, we are in the process of testing its application in road construction across India.

Copper scrap and e-waste recycling

We are investing Rs.2,000 crore in India's first-of-its-kind copper scrap and e-waste recycling facility. This facility will recycle scrap into LME-grade copper and other precious metals, addressing the significant challenge posed by e-waste, one of the foremost waste streams globally. This initiative is aligned with Hindalco's and India's circular economy agenda, promoting sustainable resource management and reducing environmental impact.

Advanced circularity

Novelis has increased the recycled content in its products to 61%, up from 57% in FY22, setting itself apart from competitors with a recycled content rate more than double that of its closest competitor. This milestone is complemented by the implementation of Sortera Advanced Sorting Technology, which utilises AI imagery, data analytics and advanced sensors to move closer to a fully circular business model. Additionally, the Automotive Circularity Platform, a partnership aimed at digitalising the market for end-of-vehicle-life recycling, enhances transparency and visibility in the sector. Novelis' automotive scrap closed-loop recycling programmes with leading auto OEMs are projected to reduce carbon emissions by up to 100,000 tonnes per year, furthering its commitment to sustainability.