Daimler India Commercial Vehicles (DICV) has transitioned its Oragadam manufacturing facility near Chennai to 100% renewable power, eliminating 22,970 tons of carbon emissions annually. The company achieved this target ahead of its planned 2025 deadline.
The shift combines on-site solar generation with off-site renewable power procurement. The facility's solar plant, equipped with 15,000 panels, has a peak capacity of 4,300 kW and generates 17% of the required power, reducing carbon emissions by 4,000 tons per year.
DICV Managing Director Satyakam Arya credited supportive government policies, including frameworks for green power purchases, for enabling this transition. The company has been expanding its renewable energy infrastructure since 2018.
This development comes as automotive manufacturers worldwide face increasing pressure to reduce their carbon footprint. The Indian government has set a target of 50% renewable energy mix by 2030, with major industrial units expected to lead the transition.
Daimler Truck AG, DICV's parent company, has committed to carbon-neutral vehicle production across its global operations. The Chennai facility, which manufactures commercial vehicles for domestic and export markets, is one of the company's key production sites in Asia.
The company continues to explore additional energy efficiency measures and alternative renewable sources to further reduce its environmental impact. The Oragadam facility serves as a manufacturing hub for BharatBenz trucks and buses, as well as Mercedes-Benz coaches.
Carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e), the measurement standard used by DICV, accounts for all greenhouse gases converted to their CO2 warming potential, providing a comprehensive view of environmental impact.