- DNV, an independent global certification agency, has certified the Kamuthi plant water positive during year 2020-21. The certification signifies water credit is higher than the water consumed
- Historic feat achieved through desilting of community ponds and development of additional rainwater harvesting potential in the neighbouring villages of Sengappadai, Pudukottai and Thathakulam.
- Pond capacity increase by 52,982 kl (equivalent to 8,830 water tankers of typical 6 kl each used in the region)
- Substantial increase in storage capacity of water bodies
- From clinical research on rainfall data and water use optimisation and supporting the local community in de-silting of the neighbourhood ponds, the marathon project blended traditional practices with technology. This included conducting satellite mapping and toposheet-based water basin study of the plant.
- Other proactive measures include robotic solar modules cleaning that has helped reduce water usage to a significant extent
- Long-term goal is to be in Top-10 Companies of the World in ESG Benchmarking of Electric Utility Companies by 2022
The 648 MW Kamuthi Solar Plant in Tamil Nadu, a flagship asset of the Adani Green Energy Limited (AGEL) has become the first plant of its class to turn water positive. DNV, an independent global certification agency issued the certification following a rigorous audit conducted on the plant’s water management in 2020-21.
The feat assumes historic relevance given that Kamuthi is one of the largest single location solar projects spanning 2,500 acres, equivalent to 950 Olympic-sized football fields. Power generated at Kamuthi solar power plant provides clean green electricity to 265,000 homes. According to the DNV certification, the plant created a water credit of 52,982 m3, which is more than its water consumption for year 2020-21. .
From clinical research on rainfall data and water use efficiency and supporting the local community in de-silting of the neighborhood ponds, the marathon project blended traditional practices with technology. This included conducting satellite mapping and toposheet-based water basin study of the plant.
These measures were introduced in addition to a robust water conservation framework already in practice at the site. According to this framework, the company optimised its water requirement under ISO 14001, through various initiatives including robotic cleaning of solar panels, rainwater harvesting and use of drips among others.
About Adani Green Energy Limited
Adani Green Energy Limited (“AGEL”), a part of India-based Adani Group, has one of the largest global renewable portfolios over 14,815 MW of operating, under-construction and awarded projects catering to investment-grade counterparties. The company develops, builds, owns, operates and maintains utility-scale grid-connected solar and wind farm projects. Key customers of AGEL include the National Thermal Power Corporation (“NTPC”) and Solar Energy Corporation of India (“SECI”) and various state Discoms. Listed in 2018, AGEL today is a USD 25.03 billion market cap company helping India meet its COP21 goals.
In 2021, AGEL received a rating of A (on a scale of AAA-CCC) in the MSCI ESG Ratings assessment. This financial year, Mercom Capital, the US-based think tank ranked the Adani Group as the #1 global solar power generation asset owner.