Vedanta Aluminium expands electric forklift fleet, embracing sustainability

A major step toward sustainable industrial practices has been taken by Vedanta Aluminium, India's leading aluminium manufacturer, by adding 66 electric lithium-ion forklifts to its fleet. This expansion, marking Vedanta's role as India's largest deployer of electric lithium-ion forklifts, includes successfully deploying 22 additional units at its Jharsuguda smelter operations in Odisha.

This initiative underscores Vedanta Aluminium's steadfast commitment to decarbonisation and sustainable operations. By integrating advanced electric technology into its logistical framework, Vedanta continues to set benchmarks in environmental stewardship within the industry.

Concerning this initiative, John Slaven, CEO of Vedanta Aluminium, said, “At Vedanta Aluminium, sustainability is a business imperative. We continuously adopt innovative practices to enhance our operational excellence. The deployment of 66 electric lithium-ion forklifts marks a milestone in accelerating our transition to a Net Zero future.”

Deployed across Vedanta Aluminium’s units in Jharsuguda and Lanjigarh in Odisha, as well as its BALCO smelter in Chhattisgarh, these electric lithium-ion forklifts feature faster and safer battery charging capabilities. This innovation revolutionises operational efficiency and contributes significantly to reducing carbon emissions. Introducing these forklifts marks a substantial step towards mitigating the company’s carbon footprint.

• Potential reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 2,500 tonnes of CO2 equivalent annually.
• Substantial reduction in diesel consumption, with estimated savings of over 8.4 lakh litres per year.

The company has committed to decarbonising 100 per cent of its light motor vehicle (LMV) fleet by 2030. Vedanta Aluminium is dedicated to achieving complete decarbonisation of its light motor vehicle (LMV) fleet by 2030, showcasing its ongoing commitment to adopting and implementing cutting-edge technologies in pursuit of sustainability. As one of India's pioneering firms in sustainable practices, particularly in material handling, Vedanta is expanding its electric forklift fleet to achieve Net Zero emissions by 2050.