In the last several years, an increased electricity intake results from various anthropogenic activities summing up to global warming among them. Consumption of electricity has drastically increased to government records soaring from 1161kWh consumption in 2021-22 to 1331 kWh in the following year, 2022-23. India was already placing its emphasis on solar power-the reason is that India has been one of the countries most blessed with sunlight, as it was situated almost at the equator-before the same became a crisis. In an interview with Hardip Singh, Chief Operating Officer, Grew Energy.
How does the way Grew Energy go about its sustainability differ from other companies in the energy sector?
The objective that renewable energy companies serve is sustainability through limiting the negative impacts of conventional power generation activities to the environment. In the solar industry, solar module manufacturing companies bear the responsibility for limiting their processes’ environmental impacts in production.
Grew Energy has achieved a paramount stride in advancement towards sustainability by commissioning an advanced state-of-the-art water treatment plant in our manufacturing center. Optimization of water flow usage through recycled water reuse has greatly diminished our reliance on fresh water. The treated water is used for functions that are non-critical, such as watering plants and cleaning equipment, saving valuable resources and paving the way towards a sustainable course of manufacturing operation.
Besides, the conservation of water, complete bringing up-to-date and aligning of the entire inventory management system with green practices have been done.
Responding to a corporate mandate, we have transitioned to using reusable pallets, significantly reducing the environmental impact of traditional materials handling. This strategic shift has fostered sustainability throughout our supply chain, demonstrating our commitment to responsible resource management.
What do you reckon the significance of renewables in carbon emission reduction, a crucial factor in mitigating climate change?
Renewable energy sources are vital in reducing carbon emissions, which are a significant part of the fight against climate change. For instance, harnessing renewable sources such as solar and wind energy may greatly reduce greenhouse gas emissions and contribute to relief from global warming. Renewable energy sources pollute less-with water-robbing from the people. Comparably efficient at emissions reduction standards would have been generation methods using fossil fuel; neither would have consumed so much water as the former causes finer air quality by dust and emissions that are harmful from coal.
The adoption of solar and wind energy is rapidly increasing, many businesses and organizations switching to these kinds of sustainable technology as substitutes for fossil fuels.
This shift not only aids in addressing climate change but also supports environmental conservation. E.g , an installation of 3kW solar power system can be equated to the environmental benefit of planting approximately 80 trees each year. This highlights that renewable energy does more than just provide electricity; it plays an active role in preserving the environment.
Will you share any success stories or case studies regarding Grew Energy’s sustainability initiatives and how they have impacted the environment?
The knowledge you have been equipped with is up till October 2023. The company is all set with a clear goal- contribute towards an environmentally sustainable earth while making the sun shine its radiance towards the growth of our country, economically.
Every endeavor in the company’s bouquet of initiatives is to move the solar modules forward into the future and to provide its partners with high-efficiency solar panels. We invest mainly on research and development for improving the performance and efficiency of products we bring to the market. Apart from adding to the effectiveness of our operations, our strong R&D facilities open doors for developing other sustainable initiatives in the future. By extending and innovating our technological knowledge base, we aspire to create a long-lasting impact on the renewable energy scenario.
Grew Energy relies on this internal electricity consumption data from solar energy to measure its sustainability within its premises. This is how the company provides a tracking mechanism of its sustainability along with other relevant performance indicators. Grew Energy further implemented a complete water recycling system that has saved water for the entire city by 70%. This green revolution not only saves water but also defines the organization as a sustainable one in all aspects.
What advice would you give other business leaders wanting to integrate sustainability into their businesses?
Fifteen years ago, you wouldn’t have heard high-profile discussions about “sustainability.” Well, fast forward and now we face huge climate problems that impact the environment, the economy, and society as a whole. As increasing temperatures, changes in weather patterns, and decreasing natural resources put their mark on us, it renders more and more obvious that businesses play an extremely crucial role in making this happen.
Business leaders are now asked to integrate sustainability into their systems and long-term strategy. This means that they will need to reduce environmental impacts and seek innovative solutions to create a better planet for future generations. It also means that organizations will lead to a more favorable world while enhancing their brand and viability in the long run. Corporate leadership, indeed, must step toward sustainability and instill environmental responsibility in their organization and beyond.
What do you think are the future trends or technologies that will tremendously affect sustainability in the energy sector in five to ten years?
In the next five to ten years, multiple emerging trends and technologies will mark a significant impact on the sustainability of the energy sector. The Indian government is highly promoting solar energy and downsizing the dependency on fossil fuels. De-fossilization is not easy completely but accepting green energies: electric vehicles, hydrogen energy, and smart electricity grids; the progress replaced fossil fuels by amazing speed.
In the light of the above, what roles do it entail for governments, industries, as well as individuals in addressing these energy sustainability issues? The energy sector in India is under major sustainability stress, due to the two most important things-climate change and the increasing demand for electricity. This sudden digitalization marriage of India is by itself a sufficient force to create an ever-increasing need for energy in line with population growth, urbanization, and above all, technology development. The major part of the current climate changes comes from burning fossil fuels, which also severely threatens the environment and public health. Hence, India undoubtedly needs to put in place strategic approaches to diminish any over-reliance on such traditional energy sources, moving towards more sustainably viable alternatives.
On this premise, a few of the next-generation initiatives with which the government of India seeks to promote energy sustainability have been unveiled. PM Surya Ghar Yojana-another scheme for householder installation of solar energy systems-is a key example of such requisition. It makes solar systems available for every household individually and actively participates in the achievement of India’s ambitious sustainability goals. In a single sweep, this initiative gives a diverse approach to renewable energy adoption while trying to make sustainable energy available to every citizen.
But this sustainability of energy is more than merely climate change. Besides, as India moves forward economically and technologically, greater energy demands then ensue.