One of the biggest care makers of India, Maruti Suzuki India Limited (MSIL) is revving up its commitment to clean energy. The company has begun operating a pilot biogas plant at its Manesar facility, utilizing food waste and Napier grass. This initiative aligns with the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy’s “Waste to Energy” program and reflects MSIL’s dedication to sustainable practices.
MSIL invested ₹120.8 crore in renewable energy projects like solar and biogas in FY2023-24. This commitment is expanding significantly. The company has pledged an additional ₹450 crore over the next three years (starting FY 2024-25) to bolster its use of renewable energy solutions.
Pilot Biogas Plant
The pilot plant produces an estimated 0.2 tons of biogas daily, translating to around 1 lakh standard cubic meters of biogas annually. This eco-friendly process offsets approximately 190 tonnes of CO2 per year. The plant utilizes food waste from canteens and Napier grass as raw materials, adhering to circular economy principles. Importantly, the residual organic manure finds use in horticulture, creating a zero-waste model.
“Energy is crucial for our manufacturing process,” stated Mr. Hisashi Takeuchi, Managing Director & CEO of Maruti Suzuki India Limited. “As we ramp up production capacity, we’re accelerating efforts to increase the share of renewable energy across our operations. The biogas plant is a step towards a cleaner energy landscape for MSIL and the industry.”
Multiple Paths to a Sustainable Future
MSIL’s green strategy goes beyond biogas. The company is actively expanding its solar capacity. They aim to add 15 MWp to the Manesar plant and 20 MWp to the upcoming Kharkhoda plant over the next two years, reaching a total solar capacity of 78.2 MWp by FY 2025-26. These initiatives align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal #7: Affordable and Clean Energy.
Learning from the Pilot for Future Growth
The success of this pilot biogas plant will inform the design and implementation of renewable energy solutions at MSIL’s forthcoming facilities, furthering their commitment to a greener future.