Chennai: Hyundai Motor India Limited (HMIL) has announced a bold leap in its sustainability mission with plans to establish two renewable energy plants in Tamil Nadu. The move is part of HMIL’s strategy to achieve the RE100 benchmark — 100% renewable electricity across its operations — by 2025, making it a leader in renewable adoption within India’s automotive sector.
The initiative follows a Power Purchase and Shareholder Agreement signed with Fourth Partner Energy Limited (FPEL) at HMIL’s Chennai manufacturing facility. The collaboration will result in a 75 MW solar plant and a 43 MW wind power plant under a Group Captive Mode. These plants will collectively supply over 25 crore units of clean energy annually, reducing HMIL’s carbon footprint by nearly 200,000 tons of CO₂ emissions each year.
Driving Sustainability with Strategic Investments
To bring these projects to life, HMIL is investing INR 38 crore and forming a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) with a 26% equity stake, while FPEL retains 74%. The partnership guarantees a 25-year renewable energy supply, ensuring long-term sustainability for Hyundai’s Indian operations.
Currently, HMIL meets 63% of its energy needs through renewables, as of mid-2024. The new plants aim to elevate this figure to 100%, placing the company among the frontrunners in clean energy adoption within the global automotive industry.
Voices Behind the Vision
“This collaboration reflects Hyundai’s unwavering commitment to a sustainable future,” remarked Gopalakrishnan Chathapuram Sivaramakrishnan, HMIL’s Whole-time Director & Chief Manufacturing Officer. “Harnessing the power of wind and solar energy, we’re aligning with our global vision of ‘Progress for Humanity’ while setting a benchmark for industrial sustainability.”
FPEL’s Co-Founder and Executive Director, Vivek Subramanian, echoed these sentiments, highlighting the significance of corporate participation in renewable energy. “Our partnership with HMIL underlines the pivotal role of integrated solar, wind, and storage solutions in driving India’s energy transition,” he said.
Innovative Energy Management
This ambitious renewable energy plan complements HMIL’s broader green initiatives. The company has already implemented an advanced Energy Management System, including:
- 10 MW rooftop solar plant at the Chennai facility.
- Transition to 100% LED lighting in all plants, offices, and dealerships since 2017.
- Adoption of energy-efficient practices such as waste heat recovery in paint shops and thermo-ceramic coatings on industrial furnaces.
Additionally, since October 2022, HMIL has been purchasing green power through the Indian Energy Exchange (IEX) to diversify its renewable energy portfolio.
A Step Towards a Greener India
By taking this decisive step, HMIL underscores its leadership in sustainability, inspiring other industries to adopt renewable energy solutions. This initiative not only contributes to Hyundai’s global green goals but also aligns with India’s ambitious renewable energy targets, reinforcing the nation’s journey toward a cleaner future.
Through this pioneering venture, HMIL continues to blend innovation and responsibility, proving that progress and sustainability can go hand in hand.
