Vedanta Explores Biodiesel Use to Cut Emissions in Odisha

06 Jun 2025 CW Team

On World Environment Day, Indian mining and metals giant Vedanta Ltd announced plans to explore the use of biodiesel in its commercial vehicle fleet at the Jharsuguda township in Odisha.

Vedanta Aluminium, a subsidiary of the group, said it has committed to decarbonising 100 per cent of its light motor vehicle fleet by 2030. As part of this initiative, the company is evaluating biodiesel following successful pilot runs to assess its viability in its commercial vehicles.

In addition, Vedanta has started using biomass briquettes made from agricultural residue for co-firing at its Lanjigarh alumina refinery in Odisha and BALCO smelter in Chhattisgarh. At the Lanjigarh unit, located in Kalahandi district, 20 tonnes of biomass are co-fired daily, reducing carbon dioxide equivalent emissions by over 10,000 tonnes annually.

The company has also introduced a 10-tonne electric forklift at its aluminium plant in Jharsuguda and currently operates a sizeable fleet of electric lithium-ion forklifts. This shift has significantly lowered diesel consumption and emissions across its operations.

“The move to electric mobility is further supported by a recent partnership with Let’s DriEV, launched in Vedanta’s Jharsuguda township to encourage the adoption of electric vehicles among employees and residents,” the company stated.

Sunil Gupta, Chief Operating Officer of Vedanta Aluminium, emphasised the company’s broader commitment: “From responsible sourcing of materials to energy-efficient manufacturing, Vedanta is dedicated to creating long-term value while safeguarding the planet’s needs.”

“Our goal is to lead the global aluminium industry by example, setting new standards for sustainable and responsible growth,” he added.

Infrastructure Urban

06 Jul 2026

ABS Marine Sees CRISIL Credit Rating Upgrade

ABS Marine Services has secured an upgrade to its long term and short term credit ratings from CRISIL, reflecting improved profitability and revenue growth through long term contracts. CRISIL moved the long term rating from BBB+/Stable to A-/Stable and revised the short term rating from A2 to A2+. The action signals strengthened financial metrics and operational resilience. The company benefited from durable client relationships with firms such as ONGC and Schlumberger. The rating decision followed stronger cash flows and an enlarged bank loan facility, which increased from Rs 3,705 million (m..

Project BRAHMANK Marks 16 Years Of Strategic Roads In Arunachal

Project BRAHMANK is marking 16 years of work to establish strategic road and bridge links across Arunachal Pradesh, maintaining and developing 811 kilometres of roads and nearly 86 bridges that range from small culverts to large steel and arch bridges. These transport links are described as critical for ensuring year-round movement of defence personnel, equipment and essential supplies while improving everyday travel for people in remote villages. The project balances national security requirements with regional development by focusing on reliable access in challenging terrain. Notable enginee..

Longleng CSOs Give One Week Ultimatum Over Two-Lane Highway

Civil society organisations (CSOs) in Longleng district have demanded immediate restoration of the deteriorating Changtongya–Longleng two-lane road and sought a detailed status report on the stalled construction within one week. The demand followed a consultative meeting convened under the Phom Peoples' Council (PPC) to discuss welfare and development concerns. PPC president YB Angam Phom said prolonged non-maintenance had caused hardship to commuters and affected transportation, local commerce and the district's development. The meeting urged authorities to undertake immediate restoration a..