India’s largest zinc producer targets over 70% renewable energy by 2026, driving sustainable manufacturing and Net Zero ambitions.
Hindustan Zinc Limited , India’s largest and the world’s second-largest integrated zinc producer, announced cumulative energy savings of over 0.8 million Gigajoules (GJ) in FY24 — equivalent to powering 70,000 Indian households annually. Reinforcing its sustainability leadership, the company has expanded its renewable power delivery agreement (PDA) to 530 MW, including earlier signed PDAs, following approvals in the recent Board meeting. This expansion is set to increase renewable energy’s contribution to over 70% of Hindustan Zinc’s total power requirements by 2026.
The company has already signed agreements to source 450 MW round-the-clock renewable power, aligning with its long-term vision of responsible and sustainable manufacturing. Hindustan Zinc continues to invest in innovative energy-efficiency projects, such as turbine revamps at captive power plants, improvements in cellhouse efficiency, installation of variable frequency drives, and transitioning from high-speed diesel to piped natural gas, all contributing to energy savings and reduced carbon emissions.
Commenting on these achievements, Ms. Priya Agarwal Hebbar, Chairperson of Hindustan Zinc, stated:
“For us at Hindustan Zinc, sustainable practices and good business sense are two sides of the same coin. I am elated that we are marching ahead on our ESG roadmap for renewable power expansion up to 530 MW. This aligns with our mission to be Net Zero by 2050 or sooner. Our initiatives aim to create long-term value for stakeholders while contributing to a healthier planet.”
The company has reduced greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions intensity by 14% in FY24 compared to its 2020 baseline, even while increasing production volumes. Earlier this year, Hindustan Zinc utilized its renewable power to produce Asia’s first low-carbon ‘green’ zinc, EcoZen, which has a carbon footprint 75% lower than the global average.
Hindustan Zinc also observed ‘No Vehicle Day’ under the Bureau of Energy Efficiency’s (BEE) guidance across its business units to promote energy conservation and reduce carbon emissions. Employees and business partners adopted public transport, electric vehicles, or cycling to the office during a week-long awareness campaign featuring training sessions, quizzes, and earth hour initiatives.
The company remains at the forefront of global sustainability efforts, being the first Indian metals and mining firm to secure validated Science-Based Targets Initiative (SBTi) commitments aligned with the 1.5°C global warming goal. Hindustan Zinc has also earned recognition from the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) for its leadership in water security and climate change.
As a Vedanta Group company, Hindustan Zinc holds a 75% market share in India’s primary zinc market and is a key global supplier of critical metals essential for the energy transition. With sustainability as its cornerstone, Hindustan Zinc continues to champion innovation, renewable energy adoption, and environmental stewardship to achieve Net Zero emissions by 2050 or sooner.