Bhubaneswar: Employees of Vedanta, India’s largest producer of aluminium and value-added products, have leveraged inhouse engineering and innovation capabilities to convert an old petrol-fuelled motorbike that was beyond economic repair, into an electric bike (e-bike) at its Jharsuguda (Odisha) plant. A symbol of the company’s commitment to reducing carbon footprint and the engineering prowess of its employees, the e-bike is powered by a Lithium-ion battery and is completely pollution free.
Vedanta’s Vehicle Maintenance team substituted the engine and gearbox with a brushless DC 750-watt motor equipped with a freewheel and chain sprocket. The motor, which is powered by a 48V – 29Ah Lithium-ion battery, drives the rear wheel chain sprocket through a roller chain. This innovative salvage of the defunct petrol bike is in line with Vedanta’s focus to reduce carbon footprint by promoting the 3Rs – reduce, reuse, and recycle – of waste management. The new eco-friendly e-bike carries with it the benefits of low maintenance, no fossil fuel consumption and zero pollution.
Speaking on the company’s waste-to-wealth initiatives, CN Singh, CEO – Vedanta Ltd., Jharsuguda, said, “At Vedanta, we have adopted best-in-class green manufacturing practices in collaboration with global technology experts with the vision to make our operations Zero Harm, Zero Waste and Zero Discharge. Alongside cutting-edge technology deployments, we have vibrant Innovation Cafes and Waste-to-Wealth Projects, which see employees collaborate, brainstorm and tinker with technology to indigenously develop sustainable solutions and processes.”
Pragyan Raj Das, Site In-Charge of Unilift Cargo Systems Pvt Ltd., Vedanta’s partner in logistics, said, “I appreciate Vedanta for sincerely pursuing and promoting green initiatives through a holistic approach at its operations, which includes a wide range of technology adoptions, projects, innovations and process upgrades. This is in line with the company’s commitment to work towards a better and sustainable future for all.”
Waste-to-Wealth is a key focus area of Vedanta’s waste management principles. The company has partnered with Runaya LLC for recovery of residual aluminium from dross and using the remnant dross to make briquettes for usage in steel industry, resulting in 100% utilization of dross. The company is also ensuring more than 100% fly-ash utilization for various purposes, including cement manufacturing, backfilling of depleted mines.
