Adani Green becomes world's 1st water-positive renewable energy producer
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New Delhi: Adani Green Energy Limited (AGEL) has become the world’s first renewable energy Independent Power Producer (IPP) to achieve water positivity across its entire operational portfolio, which exceeds 14 gigawatts of installed capacity. This milestone was accomplished a full year ahead of AGEL’s FY2026 target, setting a new global benchmark for sustainability in the energy sector.
Among the top 10 renewable energy companies globally by operational capacity, AGEL stands alone in having reached this landmark. The company’s water positivity certification was granted by Intertek, a global assurance firm, following rigorous audits and assessments of water accounting data across 103 operational sites and 85 dedicated water conservation sites. AGEL is also the only renewable energy company in India of this scale to be certified water positive.
Achieving water positivity means that AGEL returns more fresh water to the environment than it consumes in its operations. The company has adopted practices that both conserve and replenish water resources, implementing a framework focused on preserving water, optimising its use, and enhancing its availability for surrounding communities.
This accomplishment is particularly significant given the challenging environments where AGEL’s solar and wind plants are located. Many of these facilities are situated in some of India’s harshest and driest regions, such as the barren expanses of Khavda in Gujarat and the arid Thar desert. Despite the inhospitable terrain, AGEL has succeeded in transforming these landscapes into sustainability hubs through innovative water management practices.
The impact of AGEL’s conservation efforts is substantial. The amount of water saved is equivalent to approximately 467 Olympic-sized swimming pools—enough to meet the water demands of Lakshadweep for half a year. Moreover, 85 revitalised ponds now serve more than 123,000 people, including many in water-scarce communities. Over 54 per cent of AGEL’s operational capacity employs robotic cleaning technology for solar modules, which saves around 546 million litres of water annually by eliminating the need for water-based cleaning.
AGEL initially set a visionary Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) goal to make at least 200 megawatts of its operational capacity water positive. That target was achieved in FY2023, prompting the company to extend the goal across its entire portfolio by FY2026—a goal now realised a full year ahead of schedule.
This achievement holds national and global significance, especially in a country like India, where water scarcity affects millions. AGEL’s success highlights the potential of combining clean energy with responsible water stewardship. The company has adopted advanced technologies such as waterless robotic solar panel cleaning, traditional water body deepening, rainwater harvesting, and innovative projects like condensing clean drinking water from humid air.
An AGEL spokesperson underscored the broader implications of the achievement, stating, “We don’t just generate green energy. We build it the greenest way possible. Climate change will intensify global water stress, and India is among the countries facing the highest water security challenges. With low levels of freshwater per capita and high levels of usage, this accomplishment truly matters.”
Beyond water positivity, AGEL’s operational portfolio is also certified single-use plastic free and zero waste-to-landfill, reflecting its comprehensive commitment to sustainable development. What began as a bold ESG initiative has now become a national benchmark, placing AGEL, India’s largest renewable energy company, at the forefront of the global clean energy and environmental stewardship movement.
As population growth, economic development, pollution, and climate change put increasing pressure on water resources, AGEL’s model demonstrates how industries can contribute meaningfully to water security and environmental sustainability.
With IANS inputs
