Mahindra Susten achieves ‘Water Positive’ certification across 1.5 GWp portfolio, setting sustainable benchmarks

TUV India Commends Renewable Energy Innovator for Water-Positive Achievement and Eco-Friendly Practices.

Mahindra Susten, a prominent renewable Independent Power Producer (“IPP”) equipped with in-house expertise in engineering, procurement, and construction (“EPC”), is delighted to announce the receipt of the esteemed ‘Water Positive Verification’ certificate for its entire 100 percent operational portfolio for the assessment year FY23.

This accreditation, bestowed by the reputable certification authority TUV India (TÜV NORD GROUP), acknowledges Susten’s dedication to planet-positive initiatives and the conservation of water resources. This acknowledgment follows a comprehensive audit of all project locations across five states: Rajasthan, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh. According to TUV India’s assessment, Susten’s renewable energy portfolio of over 1.5 GWp attains a score of 15 (Positive) on the Water Footprint Index, indicating that the recharged water is 15 times more than the amount 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 minimise soiling loss and mitigate module performance-related impacts. We have taken a major step towards establishing sustainable operations by having a 100 percent 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 minimise soiling loss and mitigate module performance-related impacts.

Undertaking solar projects in water-stressed areas like Rajasthan poses significant challenges for any developer in terms of securing the necessary quantity and quality of water. Acknowledging this challenge from the outset, Mahindra Susten embarked on a mission to reduce water consumption without compromising the efficiency of solar power plants, thus addressing the water footprint of the sector.

The company adopted a three-step approach to improve its standing on the Water Footprint Index: 

1.    Reduction of water consumption: By using high-quality water spray pumps, water piping systems, and innovative module cleaning brushes.

2.    Elimination of water for module cleaning: Eliminated water for module cleaning by investing in advanced technology, such as dry-cleaning robots. Currently, 63 percent 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.

3.    Water Conservation: Implemented sustainable practices, including groundwater recharge systems with artificial recharge ponds and rainwater harvesting recharge pits.