Mumbai, January 11, 2024: Mahindra Susten, a leading renewable Independent Power Producer
(“IPP”) with in-house expertise in engineering, procurement, and construction (“EPC”), is pleased
to announce that it has been awarded the prestigious ‘Water Positive Verification’ certificate for its
100% operating portfolio for the assessment year FY23.
The accreditation, granted by esteemed certification authority TUV India (TÜV NORD GROUP),
recognizes Susten’s commitment towards planet-positive initiatives and water resource
conservation. This recognition comes after a thorough audit of all project locations in five states:
Rajasthan, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh. As per TUV India’s
evaluation, Susten’s +1.5 GWp of renewable energy portfolio commands a score of 15 (Positive)
on the Water Footprint Index implying that water recharged is 15 times over what was consumed.
Speaking about the achievement, Deepak Thakur, MD & CEO, Mahindra Susten, said, “Mahindra
Group aims to be Planet Positive by 2040. Mahindra Susten is making steady progress in steering
the Group towards this shared goal. While the solar sector is critical for meeting the world’s
renewable energy needs, it has traditionally been water-intensive, which goes against sustainability
norms. This is primarily attributed to the constant need for cleaning solar modules to minimize
soiling loss and mitigate module performance-related impacts. We have taken a major step towards
establishing sustainable operations by having a 100% water-positive portfolio.
“Susten’s dedication to sustainability, aligned with our core purpose of ‘re-imagining clean energy,
empowering lives,’ serves as a guiding principle in the development of our renewable energy
projects. We will actively contribute to a more sustainable and water-positive future. We shall
always remain committed to our mission of setting benchmarks for responsible corporate practices
and fostering a Planet Positive future,” he added.
The “Water Positive Verification” certificate signifies Susten’s holistic approach to environmental
stewardship and the preservation of this vital resource. While the solar sector is critical for meeting
the world’s renewable energy needs, it has traditionally been water-intensive, which goes against
sustainability norms. This is primarily attributed to the constant need for cleaning solar modules to
minimize soiling loss and mitigate module performance-related impacts.
Undertaking solar projects in water-stressed areas such as Rajasthan presents substantial
problems for any developer in terms of securing the needed amount and quality of water.
Recognizing this challenge from the outset, Mahindra Susten initiated a mission to reduce water
consumption without compromising the efficiency of solar power plants, thereby addressing the
water footprint of the sector.
The company adopted a three-step approach to improve its standing on the Water Footprint Index:
- Reduction of water consumption: By using high-quality water spray pumps, water piping
systems, and innovative module cleaning brushes. - Elimination of water for module cleaning: Eliminated water for module cleaning by investing
in advanced technology, such as dry-cleaning robots. Currently, 63% of our portfolio uses these
robots, resulting in the annual conservation of almost 67 million litres of water—equivalent to
fulfilling the basic water needs of 50,000 people throughout the year. - Water Conservation: Implemented sustainable practices, including groundwater recharge
systems with artificial recharge ponds and rainwater harvesting recharge pits.
