Cipla Limited has set up a 30 MW solar group captive project in Tuljapur, Maharashtra in partnership with AMP Energy India. Spread across 115 acres, the solar project is one of the largest solar open access projects in the state set up by a corporate.

This is in line with the company’s Environmental, Social and Corporate Governance (ESG) initiatives aimed at developing a holistic sustainability road map for the future. By 2025, Cipla plans to achieve carbon and water neutrality, zero waste to landfill, antimicrobial resistance stewardship and green chemistry.

The project will support the company’s green energy requirements for its manufacturing units at Kurkumbh and Patalganga in Maharashtra. It will also help the company avoid carbon dioxide emissions by as much as 35,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (tCO2e) annually over its project life of 25 years.

In Aug 2018, Cipla successfully implemented a third party solar open access through a long term power purchase agreement in Karnataka that helped replace 90% of energy sourcing for the company’s manufacturing units in Virgonagar and Bommsandra to renewable power.

Speaking on the occasion, Kedar Upadhye, President and Global CFO, Cipla said, “Sustainability is at the core of Cipla’s DNA and this solar power plant is a true reflection of our belief of contributing towards a greener environment. This project is testament to our relentless commitment to use cleaner and renewable sources of energy.”

Geena Malhotra, President and Global Head – Manufacturing Operations, Cipla commented, “The project aims to reduce our environmental footprint and create a positive social impact. We endeavour to continue growing the share of renewable energy across our sites with an aim to contribute to India’s agenda of increasing energy generation from non-fossil fuel sources to 40% by 2030.”

Since FY19, Cipla has added 48 MW of solar energy portfolio through various initiatives such as an on-site roof top or ground mounted solar under RESCO model, third party solar open access power purchase agreement and group captive solar open access project.