Vedanta Aluminium partners with GAIL Gas Limited for sustainable aluminium production
Vedanta Aluminium has signed a gas sales agreement (GSA) with GAIL Gas Limited, a subsidiary of GAIL (India) Limited, to supply natural gas to Vedanta’s Jharsuguda smelter, the world’s largest aluminium plant. This transition to natural gas, expected to be operational by the end of 2025, will significantly lower the carbon footprint, reducing emissions by an estimated 47,292 tonnes of CO₂ equivalent (tCO₂e) annually. Vedanta is committed to achieving net zero emissions by 2050, by implementing a dual strategy that includes increasing renewable energy usage while also creating carbon sinks through extensive afforestation efforts.
This partnership will support Vedanta’s upcoming 430 kilo tonnes per annum (KTPA) cast house, where molten metal is cast into aluminium products. The new cast house is designed to produce 250 KTPA of billets and 180 KTPA of other value-added products. GAIL Gas Limited will establish a dedicated 7.5 km pipeline to supply approximately 32,000 standard cubic metres (SCM) of natural gas per day, with a five-year contract term starting upon pipeline commissioning. This cleaner energy alternative is expected to help Vedanta Aluminium’s commitment to a clean energy transition across its operations.
Priya Agarwal Hebbar, Non-executive Director at Vedanta and Chairperson of Hindustan Zinc Limited, said, “At Vedanta, sustainability is at the heart of everything we do. Our partnership with GAIL Gas Limited is a testament to our commitment to reducing carbon emissions and embracing cleaner energy solutions. By transitioning to natural gas at our Jharsuguda operations—the largest aluminium plant in the world—we are taking a decisive step toward aligning our operations with India’s clean energy vision and our ESG goals. This partnership is a step forward in our journey to grow responsibly and create a greener future for the generations to come."
While signing the agreement on behalf of the company, Sunil Gupta, Chief Operating Officer, Vedanta Aluminium, said, “Vedanta Aluminium’s partnership with GAIL exemplifies our ambition to lead the aluminium industry in reducing environmental impact. This agreement is in line with our efforts to reduce carbon emissions and enhance our production capabilities, contributing to India’s growing demand for aluminium in critical sectors. By embracing cleaner energy solutions, we aim to lead the way in creating a more sustainable future for the aluminium industry and our communities.”
The new cast house will operate with natural gas as its primary fuel, resulting in an estimated 62% reduction in carbon emissions monthly, equivalent to around 3,941 tCO₂e, and 47,292 tCO₂e annually, aligning with Vedanta Aluminium’s broader goal of sustainable, low-emission production.
