Installed capacity of renewable energy (167.6 MW of wind | 71.10 MW of solar PV)
Investment on renewables and greening efforts
Emissions avoided/offset
By 2030, the Company aims to install 31 GW of renewable energy capacity. The Company is diligently working towards attaining 1 MMT biogas production target by 2030. Renewables will play a major role in achieving ‘Net-Zero’ operational emission of IndianOil by 2046.
Climate Change Mitigation
Managing Environmental Impacts
Circularity/Materials
We understand our responsibility towards the environment and therefore, undertake a wide range of activities to minimise our impact on the planet. Along with efforts to reduce GHG emissions, we are developing eco-friendly fuel, enhancing energy efficiency, promoting water conservation, and implementing effective waste management programmes to ensure environmental sustainability.
Saplings planted in 2022-23
At IndianOil, we are proud to be at the forefront of the Cheetah restoration project in India. We have made a significant commitment of over ₹ 50 Crore, over the course of five years, to support the project carried out under the guidance of the National Tiger Conservation Authority. With our dedicated support, a total of 10 female and 10 male cheetahs were brought to India and were ceremoniously released by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. We feel privileged to have played a crucial role in this remarkable initiative, which aims to restore and conserve the population of cheetahs in our country.
Climate change presents a pressing and far reaching challenge that requires collective action and a commitment to sustainable practices. As part of our efforts to address this imminent threat, we are dedicated to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by transitioning to cleaner and renewable energy sources, improving energy efficiency, and implementing sustainable land-use practices. We have taken concrete steps to manage and minimise GHG emissions generated from our operations.
To promote sustainable development, we have implemented initiatives such as rainwater harvesting, water, carbon, and waste footprint mapping, as well as the installation of solar panels and LED lights. Additionally, sapling plantations have been carried out at pipeline installations to contribute to carbon sequestration and environmental preservation.
At IndianOil, we have recently resolved to achieve Net-Zero operational emissions by the year 2046. The decarbonisation plans encompass both Scope 1 and 2 emissions, with an estimated budget requirement of more than ₹ 2.4 Lakh Crore.
To achieve the Net-Zero target, we plan to have transparent and accurate accounting of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. It involves regular monitoring, reporting, and verification of emissions. We also plan to reduce Scope 1 and 2 emissions by investing in renewable energy, energy efficiency, compressed biogas, green hydrogen, CCUS/sapling plantation, and carbon markets.
GHG footprint
Energy conservation is a vital component in our journey towards a sustainable and greener future. By adopting energy-efficient practices and embracing renewable energy sources, we can significantly reduce our carbon footprint, conserve natural resources, and create a cleaner and healthier environment for future generations.
In 2022-23, 119 energy conservation schemes (in-house, PCRA-identified and EIL-identified) were implemented across the refineries, helping achieve energy savings of 2,55,379 SRFT/yr, equivalent to monetary savings of H 840 Crore/yr. In total, approximately 0.81 MMT equivalent CO2 emission per year was achieved.
From rooftop solar installations to innovative indoor solar cooking systems and pilot trials of alternative fuel blend, IndianOil is actively contributing towards a circular economy, with an emphasis on a greener future.
At Paradip Refinery, a significant step has been taken towards renewable energy adoption with the installation of 1.87 MW capacity solar panels over the roof of the warehouse. This solar power generation facility helps reduce the reliance on conventional power sources and promotes the use of clean energy. Moreover, at the IndianOil Bulk Explosives Plant in Umrer, Nagpur, a 13 kW off-grid solar power project with battery backup has been completed. This project caters to the entire electrical load of the administrative building, further emphasising IndianOil’s commitment to sustainable energy solutions.
In addition, we are actively contributing to the renewable energy sector with our current renewable energy capacity of 238.7 MW. Through a recent collaboration with NTPC Green Energy Limited, we are poised to significantly augment our renewable energy capacity by approximately 2 GW.
Our R&D Centre has developed an innovative indoor solar cooking system - a stationary, rechargeable, cooking solution that caters to the needs of Indian households.
Currently, 50 units of the Solar Cooktop have been deployed for pilot trials across five different cities in India, including Leh, Lakshadweep, Gwalior, Udaipur, and Delhi-NCR. The trials, which consider solar radiation intensity and cooking habits, are currently in progress. Moreover, IndianOil has collaborated startin with 10 Indian vendors for the manufacturing, marketing, installation,
and after-sales service of the product. By leveraging economies of scale, raising product awareness, government support, and suitable financing mechanisms, IndianOil aims for the successful rollout of the Solar cooktops in the market.
IndianOil’s commitment to renewable energy is further exemplified by the recent unveiling of a double cooktop variant of the indoor solar cooking solution during the Indian Energy Week 2023, graced by the Honourable Prime Minister.
Total energy consumption
Green hydrogen production capacity under development
Energy conservation schemes implemented
IndianOil is making significant strides in the green hydrogen sector and will be setting up its first ever Green Hydrogen plant at Panipat Refinery having 7 KTA capacity. Additionally, the Company has installed a facility for hydrogen dispensing at the Gujarat Refinery using hydrogen from the refinery unit.
Efficient management of water resources play a crucial role in building a sustainable future. By adopting sustainable practices, we can address water scarcity, protect aquatic ecosystems, support agriculture, and ensure reliable water supply for both human and environmental needs. In line with these objectives, IndianOil Refineries have been actively monitoring their fresh water consumption on a monthly basis.
Yearly targets for specific fresh water, treated effluent reuse, and specific effluent discharge have been strictly adhered to, resulting in an 89% recycling of treated wastewater in Financial Year 2022-23.
Total rainwater harvested during 2022-23
In an effort to promote water reuse, a notable project has been initiated at Mathura Refinery in the year 2022-23. The project focuses on utilising treated effluent from city municipal Effluent Treatment Plants (ETPs) for non-drinking purposes within the refinery. Currently, the refinery is replacing 8 Million Litres per day (MLD) of fresh river water with treated water. The project is currently undergoing final trials, and once fully operational, it will significantly contribute to reducing freshwater consumption and promote efficient use of water.
Similar efforts are being made at Gujarat Refinery, where a project for reuse of sewage treatment plant (STP) water is in its final stages. In the first phase, 21 MLD of treated water from Rajiv Nagar STP in Vadodara will be utilised within the refinery for non drinking and sanitation purposes. This project is aligned with the Government of Gujarat Policy and is expected to further enhance water conservation and reuse efforts in the region. Additionally, plans are underway for the commissioning of a second phase, which will result in a total reuse of 40 MLD of treated wastewater by 2025-26.
Recognising the importance of efficient water management, a comprehensive water consumption study was undertaken for all IndianOil Refineries, including CPCL, in collaboration with the Centre for High Technology, under the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas. The study, conducted in 2019, involved an extensive survey to assess consumption patterns and identify opportunities for enhanced water reuse. Based on the findings, short-term and long-term measures were developed, along with reduction targets and time bound action plans. These concerted efforts resulted in significant freshwater savings of 360 m3 /hr in 2022-23, against savings of 446 m3 /hr in 2021-2022.
To promote conservation of resources and minimise our imprint on the planet, it is essential to adopt efficient waste management practices across our operations. We strictly adhere to the Hazardous & Other Wastes (Management and Transboundary Movement) Rules, 2016, during the storage, recycling, transport and disposal of hazardous wastes generated within our facilities. By adhering to regulatory norms, we effectively reduce emissions and hazards associated with waste generation.
Our emphasis on a circular economy allows us to actively manage waste through mechanical, chemical and biological recycling methods. Our research on mechanical recycling explores innovative applications for waste plastic-based bituminous roads, crumb rubber modified bitumen, poly bags for bitumen packaging, and paver blocks.
Additionally, our chemical recycling efforts involve the conversion of various categories of single-use waste plastic including thin carry bags, multi-layer packaging, thermocol and mixed plastic into liquid hydrocarbon oils, waxes, value-added chemicals, petrochemical feedstock and high-quality fuels compliant with BS-VI standards.
Furthermore, we have made significant strides in reducing our environmental footprint. For instance, we have increased the packaging capacity of our PTA plant bags from 1100 kg to 1150 kg, resulting in the reduction of approximately 11,000 jumbo bags and 30.8 MT of plastic per year, for recycling purposes.
IndianOil has launched an initiative called ‘Unbottled,’ which aims to promote the use of recycled PET bottles as a raw material for creating fabric, rather than sending them to landfills. This program has played a vital role in supporting the introduction of sustainable and environment friendly uniforms for around 3 Lakh IndianOil Retail Outlet Customer Attendants and Indane LPG Delivery Personnel. It is estimated that this initiative will annually recycle around 20 Million discarded PET bottles, making a significant contribution to reducing waste and promoting sustainability.
When it comes to the disposal of hazardous waste, we adopt various methods. Spent catalysts containing recoverable metals are sold to authorised recyclers approved by local SPCBs (State Pollution Control Boards). Non recyclable spent catalysts are either sent to approved TSDFs (Treatment, Storage, and Disposal Facilities) or deposited at common Hazardous Waste Disposal sites. Silicate containing spent FCC (Fluidised Catalytic Cracking) unit catalysts are disposed of to cement industries, where they are utilised as feed admixture.
To handle oily sludge, we employ heat treatment and centrifugation techniques to separate the oil, which is then reprocessed within the refinery. The remaining sludge undergoes bioremediation to achieve an oil content of less than 1%. The bioremediated residual sludge is either disposed of for horticultural purposes or used within the refinery for construction purposes.
IndianOil has taken a pioneering step to contribute towards a circular economy by commissioning Wet Sulphuric Acid Plant at Haldia Refinery. This innovative initiative adds value to the elemental sulphur that refineries typically produce, promoting more sustainable and efficient utilisation of resources.
We also engage in e-waste management to ensure its proper disposal through buyback schemes, ensuring efficient recycling of electronic equipment. These initiatives help to fulfil our commitment to drive a circular economy and promote sustainable practices.
IndianOil is at the forefront of the LiFE (Lifestyle for the Environment) initiative, introduced by the Prime Minister at COP26, which aims to protect and preserve the environment through sustainable practices. We have implemented proactive measures to spearhead the LiFE mission and engage the public in becoming advocates for the planet.
Through awareness campaigns and workshops held nationwide, we have educated individuals, households, and communities on waste management, energy conservation, water conservation, sustainable transportation, and green living. At our retail outlets and locations, we have replaced traditional bulbs with energy-efficient LED bulbs and encouraged the usage of high-thermal efficiency LPG stoves through our LPG dealerships.
To combat pollution, we have introduced electric vehicles for LPG cylinder delivery in select locations. LiFE banners and posters are prominently displayed at IndianOil’s retail outlets and locations, while jute bags are distributed to raise awareness about the detrimental effects of single-use plastics. We have organised engaging street plays across various locations and retail outlets to highlight the importance of combating single-use plastics and conserving energy and water
Through these proactive initiatives, we have played a significant role in driving the LiFE mission forward, creating awareness, and cultivating a community of environmentally conscious individuals. IndianOil sets an example for businesses by integrating sustainability into its operations and actively contributing to the LiFE initiative, paving the way for a greener and more sustainable future.
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