Essar Power commissions its first flue gas scrubber to reduce Sulphur emissions by 25%

Mumbai, September 7, 2021: Essar Power, one of Essar Global Fund’s key investments in the Energy portfolio, has commissioned its first flue gas scrubber at the Essar Power Hazira (EPHL) facility. The scrubber is designed to bring down the sulfur dioxide in flue gas by 25%, going a long way in checking emissions and helping the environment.

Essar takes excessive care to ensure that there is a balance between business operations and the environment. With an aim to further its Environment, Social, and Governance (ESG) goals, Essar has been encouraging its businesses to transition to green operations and invest in technologies that reduce their carbon footprint.

Commenting on the milestone Mr. Kush, CEO – Essar Power, said “Essar Power believes in running its operations with minimal environmental impact. The commissioning of scrubber has been accomplished despite the challenges we faced due to the pandemic. With the first one completed, we shall surely look at replicating it at other facilities of ours in the future. Such eco-initiatives are part of Essar Power’s strategic plan to transition to green operations.”

The team involved with the project has put in place an innovative approach, wherein the scrubber was optimized as per the coal quality being supplied, and the emission norms targeted. In fact, the project was fast-tracked while maintaining all safety precautions, and executed without a single reportable incident.

Covid-19 situation and related constraints did pose challenges for the project, both in terms of supply of material, as well as manpower. However, the company adapted to the situation and all work at the site was carried out with strict adherence to safety protocols.  Precautions such as social distancing, the wearing of face masks, daytime working in view of night curfew, etc were followed. All external manpower were screened using RTPCR testing, and a vaccination drive was carried out to strengthen the herd immunity within the facility. By having most fabrication work carried out on the site itself, EPHL not just ensured quality but also maintained a consistent pace of work.

EPHL is part of Essar Power, which is India’s one of the first private sector independent power producers with a power generating capacity of 2,070 MW across four plants in India and Canada. The company also has a 465-km interstate transmission system that spans across three Indian states.

Essar Power (EPOL) forms part of the energy portfolio of Essar Global Fund Limited (EGFL), whose investments are managed by Essar Capital. Guided by ESG principles for all its investments, Essar is either transforming its businesses to being green or investing in the sector transforming green businesses.

EPOL recently announced its plan to foray into renewable energy starting with an investment of Rs. 300 Crore in a 90 MWp PV Solar power plant in Madhya Pradesh. The company’s investments in Green Hydrogen, Renewables, and Battery Storage show a clear focus towards strengthening the sustainability aspects of its portfolio and unconditional commitment towards becoming net-zero on carbon emissions by 2030.

 About Essar Power

Essar Power is one of India’s first private sector independent power producers having a successful track record of 25+ years. It has a power generating capacity of 2070 MW across four plants in India and Canada. Essar is also foraying into renewable energy starting with a plan to set up a 90 MWp PV Solar power plant in Dhatia, Madhya Pradesh. Essar Power has also invested in the transmission business and constructed a 465-km interstate transmission system that spans three Indian states

 About Essar Capital

Essar Capital Limited (“Essar Capital”) is the investment manager of Essar Global Fund Limited (“EGFL”). It monitors and manages the entire portfolio of investments owned by EGFL. EGFL is a global investor, owning a number of world-class assets diversified across the core sectors of Energy (comprising Exploration & Production, Refining & Marketing and Power businesses), Infrastructure (comprising Ports, Projects and Stanlow Terminals), Metals & Mining, Services & Technology (comprising Shipping, Oilfield services and Technology Solutions). EGFL invests long-term capital into the portfolio companies and holds near 100% stake in all its investments. EGFL invests with a sense of active ownership, which involves direct engagement with the management of the respective businesses. The portfolio companies have aggregate revenues of about USD 14 billion and employ over 7,000 people