Water Management

Key Highlights in FY 2024-25

Approach

We have established clear water management goals and targets through a collaborative process involving multiple stakeholders, including environmental experts, local authorities, and community representatives. The process begins with comprehensive assessment of water usage and availability in each operational area, particularly in water-stressed regions. In FY 2024-25, we used WRI Aqueduct Tool 4.0 and WWF’s Water Risk Filter to carry out water assessments.

Using scientific data and predictive models, we set specific targets taking into account the local hydrological conditions and future water availability scenarios. The projections were centred around three periods – 2030, 2050, and 2080 – under three future scenarios: business-as-usual (SSP 3 RCP 7.0), optimistic (SSP 1 RCP 2.6), and pessimistic (SSP 5 RCP 8.5). These targets focus on reducing water consumption, enhancing water recycling and reuse, and implementing rainwater harvesting systems across our sites.

Regular audits and monitoring mechanisms track the progress and ensure transparency and accountability, while the employee receive trainings to contribute to water optimisation goals.

Through continuous improvement and stakeholder engagement, we strive to exceed regulatory requirements and support local and global water conservation efforts.

Our water management performance is publicly disclosed through CDP Water Security Questionnaire, with third-party assurance to validate data credibility. Additionally, we align our water management objectives with public policy by actively engaging with regulatory bodies and adhering to national and regional water conservation guidelines, ensuring our efforts benefit both our operations and broader community and environmental sustainability.

Rainwater Harvesting for Sustainable Water Management

Background

Water scarcity is a global challenge, and India too is no exception. As a leader in electric utility sector, Adani Energy Solutions is committed to driving sustainable water practices, especially in regions facing acute water shortages. Adani Energy Solutions has implemented rainwater harvesting across its facilities and nearby areas where it operates.

Key Components in Adani Energy Solutions Rainwater Harvesting

• Rooftop Harvesting to collect rainwater from the rooftops, and systematically filter it for various uses
• Surface Runoff Harvesting to collect rainwater from land surfaces into recharge pits and percolation tanks, replenishing groundwater
• Rain Gardens around Adani Energy Solutions Facilities to absorb rainwater into the ground, enhance aesthetics and support groundwater recharge

Phase-wise Implementation

• Phase 1: Conducted site surveys, analysed rainfall patterns, and identified suitable locations considering the specific needs and constraints of each site
• Phase 2: Installed rooftop collection systems, recharge pits and rain gardens, using advanced materials and technology for durability and efficiency
• Phase 3: Established monitoring and maintenance plans, including regular inspections, cleaning of filters, and storage tanks upkeep. A third-party party was appointed for annual due diligence to ensure sustained impact on the stakeholders and communities

Benefits

• Water Conservation: Lesser reliance on external water sources
• Groundwater Recharge: : Improved groundwater levels, especially in depleted areas
• Cost Efficiency: Savings from water reuse for non-potable purposes, such as gardening, cleaning, and other domestic works
• Lesser Risks: Alleviated strain on local waterbodies and lowered flood risk through effective rainwater runoff management
• Positive Environmental Impact: Boosted biodiversity and ecological balance with green spaces created through the rain gardens

Challenges and Solutions

• Initial Costs: Leveraged CSR funds for projects beyond Adani Energy Solutions operational boundaries to offset a part of the costs, viewing it as a long-term investment
• Maintenance: Established a dedicated team for the upkeep of the systems, with periodic training sessions
• Public Awareness: Organised workshops, seminars, and awareness campaigns on water conservation and rainwater harvesting

Effluents Discharge

Adani Energy Solutions follows Zero Liquid Discharge principle, considering the local and international guidelines, sector-specific standards, and the characteristics of receiving waterbodies. We will continue to review and update our standards to align with evolving best practices and regulatory requirements to protect water quality in all areas where we operate.

More than 95% of our sites falls under white category industry using water primarily for domestic usage. Adani Energy Solutions has developed its own water quality standards that are applied across all its operations derived from international guidelines, such as those from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Our internal standards focus on key water quality parameters, including pH, biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), chemical oxygen demand (COD), total suspended solids (TSS), and presence of hazardous substances.

At ADTPS, the STP is deployed with stringent internal targets of not exceeding 40% of the consent to operate limits, with 100% treated water and rejects used for horticulture purpose within the plant premises.

Adani Energy Solutions conducts thorough assessments of the receiving waterbodies, including their ecological status, flow characteristics, and existing pollutant levels. This information helps in tailoring our discharge standards to minimise the impact on the local aquatic environment.

In cases where the receiving waterbody is particularly sensitive, stricter discharge limits and additional treatment processes are implemented. For instance, for sea water used for Indirect condenser cooling at ADTPS, Adani Energy Solutions has set internal limits to not exceed 4.5°C above the ambient temperature at any instance, stricter than the MPCB’s discharge guidelines of max 5°C above the ambient temperature. This is verified through continuous monitoring system with real-time access.

Performance in FY 2024-25

Water (in kL)

Water Discharge

Adani Energy Solutions defines priority substances of concern for which discharge is treated, basis the guidelines established by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC). These guidelines align with international standards such as those from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Substances are identified based on their toxicity, persistence, bioaccumulation potential, and prevalence in industrial discharges.

The discharge limits are set using a comprehensive risk assessment, considering ecological and human health impacts of the substances. This process includes monitoring the concentration of these substances in effluents, evaluating their potential to cause harm, and setting limits that are protective of the environment and public health. The discharge limits are regularly reviewed and updated based on the latest scientific research and technological advancements. There have been zero instances of incidents of non-compliance with discharge limits in FY 2024-25.

Water Discharge

Notes:

Discharge to surface water, groundwater, third-party water or any other water except seawater in all areas including water stressed areas have been zero. This includes both freshwater (≤1,000 mg/L Total Dissolved Solids) and Water discharge by other water (>1,000 mg/L Total Dissolved Solids).

Change in Water Storage (in kL)

By optimising water usage and minimising waste and incorporating water storage strategies, Adani Energy Solutions advances its sustainability and CSR commitments, demonstrating dedication to preserving natural resources and reducing its environmental footprint.

Water storage capacities were planned and implemented based on the WRI Aqueduct 4.0 study, providing a buffer against unexpected water shortages or drought conditions. Maintaining adequate water reserves secures uninterrupted social licence to operations even in adverse environmental conditions. This resilience is particularly important in regions prone to water stress identified using WRI Aqueduct Tool 4.0.

Discharge to surface water, groundwater, third-party water or any other water except seawater in all areas including water-stressed areas have been zero. This includes both freshwater (≤1,000 mg/L Total Dissolved Solids) and Water discharge by other water (>1,000 mg/L Total Dissolved Solids).

Storage capacity primarily for Fire Safety