The Business Bytes
TBB BUREAU
NEW DELHI, APR 11, 2023
The Bharat Aluminium Company Limited (BALCO), India’s iconic aluminium producer and a subsidiary of Vedanta Aluminium, has been awarded the ‘PAT Top Performer’ award for its efforts towards energy conservation under the Government of India’s Perform, Achieve and Trade (PAT) Scheme.
The award was presented by Union Minister for Power, New & Renewable Energy RK Singh, on the occasion of the 21st Foundation Day of the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE).
PAT is a scheme implemented under the Bureau of Energy Efficiency to encourage energy-intensive industries to reduce their Specific Energy Consumption, with an associated market-based mechanism whereby companies can trade certificates earned on the basis of excess energy savings.
BALCO is recognized as a Top Performer Designated Consumer for the Aluminium Sector for PAT Cycle-II, with the highest number of Energy Saving Certificates (ESCerts) under the National Mission for Enhanced Energy Efficiency (NMEEE).
Speaking about the award and BALCO’s excellent performance in PAT Cycle-II, BALCO CEO & Director Rajesh Kumar said, “BALCO aspires to be at the forefront of sustainable business practices and be the benchmark for the aluminium industry. Our commitment to climate action has seen us deploy the most resource and energy processes, such as adoption of clean technologies and inclusion of renewable energy in our energy mix. Receiving the Government of India’s PAT Top Performer Award is a testament to these principles of sustainability that are deeply embedded in our production processes.”
BALCO has introduced 100 per cent graphitized cathodes in potrooms and also undertaken pot controller upgradation in its potlines, which has resulted in a significant reduction in its specific power consumption under PAT Cycle II. The company has been successful in increasing savings in its specific energy consumption from 2 per cent to 36 per cent during PAT Cycle II and making a significant mark on energy efficiency under the PAT scheme.
With these innovations and design modifications, BALCO has established itself as one among the most energy-efficient companies in the country, and an industry benchmark in energy efficiency. The company has bagged several energy and sustainability awards for its energy-efficient processes in recent years, which is a testimony to its continued commitment towards building a greener tomorrow.
Bharat Aluminium Company Limited (BALCO) is India’s iconic aluminium producer. It is owned 49 per cent by the Government of India and 51 per cent by Vedanta Limited.
