In a bid to enhance its environmental sustainability initiatives and embrace greener operations, Maruti Suzuki India is set to invest Rs 4.5 billion in renewable energy projects such as solar power and biogas. This investment will span over the next three years, starting from the current fiscal year.
Biogas Plant at Maruti’s Manesar Factory: Maruti Suzuki India, a leader in the auto industry, has already started production at its biogas plant located at its Manesar factory as part of its renewable energy plan. This move is aligned with the “Waste to Energy” program of the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy. The company plans to leverage its untapped potential in terms of in-house food waste and Napier grass resources for this project. The prototype biogas plant at the Manesar factory is expected to generate 0.2 tonnes of biogas per day. By 2024-2025, it is projected to produce approximately 10 million standard cubic meters of biogas, helping to offset approximately 190 tonnes of CO2 emissions annually. By utilizing Napier grass and food waste from their canteens as raw materials, Maruti aims to embrace the principles of circularity. Spanning the knowledge acquired through this pilot project, Maruti intends to implement similar initiatives in its upcoming manufacturing facilities. The utilization of energy from the prototype biogas plant is expected to support the production operations at the Manesar location while achieving a zero-discharge concept by efficiently utilizing organic manure in horticulture.
Expansion and Future Plans: Maruti Suzuki India has set its sights on a production capacity of four million cars by 2031, doubling its current capacity. It has greenfield production facilities under construction in Gujarat and Kharkhoda, Haryana, which will contribute significantly to this expansion. The company’s commitment to renewable energy aligns with the Environmental Vision 2050 set by Suzuki, Maruti Suzuki India’s parent company. It also resonates with the renewable energy focus of the Indian Government. According to Hisashi Takeuchi, Managing Director and CEO of Maruti Suzuki India, energy plays a vital role in the manufacturing process. As the company aims to increase its production capacity from two million to four million cars by 2030-31, they are intensifying their efforts to incorporate a higher proportion of sustainable and renewable energy sources across their operations. This investment strengthens their commitment to both the environment and a greener future.
