The Indian arm of cola giant, Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages (HCCB) announced that it plans to green by sourcing 40% of its energy requirements using renewable and clean energy fuel, before the end of 2018. The beverage company has concluded an agreement with Atria Solar Power to procure 30 million units of solar power per annum, for its two factories in Karnataka.
HCCB operates two large, state-of-the-art factories in the state, both of which are located in the Bidadi Industrial Area. Consequent to this sourcing agreement, the two HCCB factories in Karnataka, will now meet 85% of their electricity requirement through solar power, off the grid.
The company also formally inaugurated its CNG based boiler system at its factory to power the two boilers at the factory and the HCCB expects that the new move will help it in reduction of 24,500 tonnes of carbon emission. The CNG will be supplied by government of India enterprise, GAIL.
The inauguration and announcements were made by Christina Ruggiero, CEO, Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages Pvt Ltd, in the presence of the director for Atria Solar Power Pvt Ltd, Sunder Raju. Also present were P Murugesan, Chief General Manager, GAIL, local community leaders and members of the Bidadi Industries Association.
Speaking at the event, Christina Ruggiero, CEO at Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages Pvt Ltd, said, “Ensuring the wellbeing of the Planet is a shared goal. As one of India’s top manufacturing company, preserving and protecting the environment is a responsibility that we take seriously. We are advancing our commitment on sourcing of renewable and clean energy by a couple of years – from 2020 to 2018. We are inspired by India’s ingenuity and the Govt’s vision of achieving 40% cumulative electric power capacity non-fossil fuel based energy resources by 2030. I want to thank our partners GAIL and Atria Solar Power Pvt Ltd for providing leadership and helping us navigate the way.”
HCCB has taken several other initiatives like the adoption of briquettes – made out of agricultural waste like groundnuts and coconut shells – to power boilers. Installation of solar rooftops, adoption of energy efficient technology and greater investments in high speed manufacturing lines, are other examples.
Sunder Raju, Director at Atria Solar Power Pvt Ltd, said, “We are indeed proud to partner with Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages in their journey to attain green goals. We are a strong and accomplished renewable energy player in India, and this strategic alliance will further propel our growth story. We would like to believe that this is the start of many other mutually beneficial partnerships with manufacturing giant like Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages.”