Ambuja Cements Ltd., now part of billionaire Gautam Adani's portfolio, has committed to investing 60 billion rupees (equivalent to $723 million) in the development of 1,000 megawatts of renewable power projects. This strategic move aligns with the conglomerate's proactive approach in attaining its net-zero targets. Following its acquisition by the Adani Group from Holcim Ltd. last year, the Mumbai-based cement manufacturer revealed plans to fund this venture through internal resources, as per an official filing. Ambuja's objective is to substantially increase its reliance on green energy, aiming to power 60% of its projected annual capacity of 140 million tons, a notable escalation from the current usage level of 19%.
The endeavors involve the establishment of a 600 MW solar power project and a 150 MW wind power facility in Gujarat, India, coupled with a 250 MW solar plant in Rajasthan scheduled for completion by March 2026. These developments supplement Ambuja Cements' existing green energy capacity of 84 MW. The primary objective is to reduce the cost of generating green energy by 20%, slashing it from 6.46 rupees per kilowatt-hour to 5.16 rupees per kWh. Moreover, this initiative is anticipated to enhance the production of eco-friendly cement.
Adani, the leader of the expansive conglomerate and Asia's second-richest individual, intends to invest $100 billion in the group's transition to renewable energy over the next decade. Five companies within the conglomerate aim to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. Both Adani and fellow billionaire Mukesh Ambani, who initially amassed their wealth in fossil fuels, have emerged as proponents of renewable energy. Their endorsement aligns with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision to decarbonize India, targeting carbon neutrality by 2070. The recent conglomerate statement confirmed that, aside from Ambuja Cements, entities like Adani Green Energy Ltd., Adani Energy Solutions Ltd., Adani Ports & Special Economic Zone Ltd., and ACC Ltd. are committed to achieving carbon neutrality by 2050.