Jindal Stainless Commissions Odisha's Largest Captive Solar Plant

Jindal Stainless and AB Energia Solutions have completed installation of Odisha's largest captive industrial solar energy plant at Jindal's manufacturing facility in Jajpur. The 30 MWp capacity installation combines a 7.324 MWp floating solar system on an internal reservoir with a 23.02 MWp rooftop installation spread across ten industrial buildings.

The facility is expected to generate 44.3 million units of electricity annually, equivalent to powering approximately 12,000-15,000 households, according to company officials. This renewable energy generation will reduce the plant's reliance on conventional grid electricity while cutting CO₂ emissions by an estimated 32,208 metric tonnes per year.

"We're accelerating our progress towards achieving our Net Zero goals and investing in sustainable infrastructure through strategic partnerships," said Abhyuday Jindal, Managing Director of Jindal Stainless. "The commissioning of Odisha's largest captive solar energy plant at our Jajpur facility is a major leap in this journey."

The project represents a significant advancement in industrial renewable energy integration by utilizing previously unused water surfaces for the floating component, which also helps reduce water evaporation from the reservoir.

Siddharth Bhatia, Managing Director of AB Energia Solutions, noted that such initiatives position Indian industry "at the forefront of sustainable manufacturing, ensuring resilience and relevance in a rapidly evolving market landscape" as global demand for low-carbon steel products increases.

The solar installation is part of Jindal Stainless' broader sustainability strategy, which includes a commitment to invest ₹700 crore in decarbonization projects over the next five years and achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.

Jindal Stainless, India's leading stainless steel manufacturer, reported a consolidated annual turnover of ₹38,562 crore (USD 4.7 billion) in FY24. The company is currently expanding its facilities to reach 4.2 million tonnes of annual melt capacity by FY27. Jindal operates 16 manufacturing and processing facilities globally, including locations in Spain and Indonesia.

The company has positioned its manufacturing process as environmentally responsible, utilizing electric arc furnace technology that reduces greenhouse gas emissions compared to traditional steelmaking methods and allows for the recycling of scrap metal.

AB Energia specializes in renewable energy solutions with operations in India and the Gulf Cooperation Council region. The company provides engineering, procurement, and construction services for various solar installations, including the floating and rooftop systems implemented at Jindal's Jajpur facility.

This project aligns with India's national renewable energy goals, which target 500 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030, as the country works to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and meet international climate commitments.