New Delhi, 5 January 2024: Ashok Leyland has committed to sourcing 100% of its electricity from renewables by 2030 as it joins the RE100 initiative. The announcement by India’s foremost automaker in the commercial vehicle segment is significant against the backdrop of India’s target of achieving 450 GW of renewable energy by 2030, and the global ambition of tripling renewable energy by 2030 which is a key outcome of the G20 New Delhi Leaders’ Declaration and at COP28.
Ashok Leyland’s collective electricity demand in the country was 324 GWh, 55% of which came from renewable electricity in 2022.
Mr. Dheeraj Hinduja, Executive Chairman, Ashok Leyland said on the joining: “We take great pride in embracing the values of the RE100, marking a significant stride towards adopting renewable energy as a critical part of Ashok Leyland and its subsidiaries’ energy footprint. We wholeheartedly support COP28 Climate Forum deliberations on renewable energy adoption by committing adoption of 100% renewable electricity by 2030. We are supported in our RE100 strategy by our group company, Hinduja Renewables, which has an operating footprint of 306MW with Solar Power Plants across India and are ramping up fast to achieve 1.5GW capacity by December 2024.
“This commitment gives impetus to our ESG Roadmap rooted in our purpose of Transforming Lives and Businesses through leadership in Mobility.”
Dr. Divya Sharma, India Executive Director at the Climate Group, said: “Renewable electricity is key to faster decarbonisation and countries have limited choice but to make it widely available. We welcome Ashok Leyland to RE100 and for them to lead the way in driving demand for corporate renewable energy. The company’s commitment is a shot in the arm for businesses demanding renewable electricity not just in India but globally as well.”
Mr. Shenu Agarwal, MD & CEO, Ashok Leyland, said: “By joining RE100, we demonstrate our commitment to our employees, society and the nation at large. Ashok Leyland is resolutely committed to attaining net zero emissions, placing a strong emphasis on sustainability. Joining RE100 highlights our firm's dedication to a more eco-friendly future, and also positions us as pioneers in championing sustainable business practices. We have embarked on a transformative journey to leverage renewable energy sources, champion environmental responsibility, and lead the way towards a more sustainable future.”
RE100 members consume more electricity each year than the total electricity consumption of France. If the RE100, with over 400 companies committed to consuming 100% renewable electricity by 2050, were a country, it would be the world’s 10th largest on electricity consumption.
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For media enquiries, please contact: Avantika Shrivastava at Climate Group: [email protected].
Notes to Editors:
About Climate Group
Climate Group drives climate action. Fast. Our goal is a world of net zero carbon emissions by 2050, with greater prosperity for all. We focus on systems with the highest emissions and where our networks have the greatest opportunity to drive change. We do this by building large and influential networks and holding organisations accountable, turning their commitments into action. We share what we achieve together to show more organisations what they could do. We are an international non-profit organisation, founded in 2004, with offices in London, New Delhi and New York.
About RE100
RE100 is a global initiative bringing together the world’s most influential businesses committed to 100% renewable electricity. Led by Climate Group, our mission is to drive change towards 100% renewable grids, both through the direct investments of our members, and by working with policymakers to accelerate the transition to a clean economy. The initiative has over 400 members, ranging from household brands to critical infrastructure and heavy industry suppliers. With a total revenue of over US$6.6 trillion, our members represent 1.5% of global electricity consumption, an annual electricity demand higher than that of the UK. RE100 was established in partnership with CDP.
About Ashok Leyland
Pioneers in the Commercial Vehicle (CV) space, Ashok Leyland is a flagship of the Hinduja group, and is the 2nd largest manufacturer of commercial vehicles in India, and 4th largest manufacturer of buses and 19th largest manufacturer of trucks in the world. Headquartered in Chennai, with 7 manufacturing plants in India, a bus manufacturing facility in Ras Al Khaimah (UAE), and one at Leeds, United Kingdom, Ashok Leyland has a well-diversified portfolio and an international footprint. Ashok Leyland has recently been ranked as 34th best brand in India.
A US $ 4.5 billion Indian multinational that has a 75-year legacy, and presence in more than 50 countries, Ashok Leyland is one of the most fully integrated manufacturing companies on this side of the globe. In the commercial vehicle industry, Ashok Leyland has one of the largest and fastest- growing networks with 52,863 touch points which includes 1748 exclusive touch points and 11,207 outlets for Leyparts.
The company now has a service centre every 75 kilometers on all major highways, allowing it to keep its “Ashok Leyland Quick Response” promise of reaching customers within 4 hours and getting them back on the road in 48 hours”. With technology-enabled customer engagement processes and knowledge on the specific applications of the product range, Ashok Leyland's sales team is well-equipped to fulfil customers’ needs. Ashok Leyland manages 12 driver training institutes across India and has trained over 1,800,000 drivers since inception.
Guided by the principle of "Koi Manzil Door Nahin," symbolising that no destination is too distant to achieve, Ashok Leyland is resolute in its pursuit to serve stakeholders and contribute to India's progress through continuous innovation and evolution.