Water, the essence of life, is an invaluable resource essential for sustaining ecosystems, communities, and industries worldwide. However, the global water crisis poses a severe threat, compelling industries to adopt sustainable practices. With rapid urbanization, population growth, and climate change, the water demand is escalating while freshwater sources are dwindling. Mahindra Susten, a trailblazing renewable energy company, stands firm in its commitment to water conservation, striving to regenerate our world by addressing this pressing issue with sustainable green energy solutions.

The Critical Role of Water

Often referred to as the elixir of life, water serves as the cornerstone of existence. Yet, statistics paint a worrisome picture. Only about 2.5% of the Earth's water is fresh, and a mere 1% is easily accessible for human use, with the rest locked in glaciers and ice caps. As our planet undergoes unprecedented demographic shifts, the per capita consumption of water is increasing, exacerbating the strain on this finite resource. Increasing agricultural needs and expanding industrial activities contribute significantly to the escalating demand for water.

In addition, the impacts of climate change, including irregular rainfall patterns and extreme weather events, further aggravate this challenge. Consequently, they lead to water scarcity in various regions across the globe. As the need for water continues to rise, the urgency to address sustainable water management practices has become critical to ensure equitable access to clean and safe water for all.

The Nexus between the Water and Solar Industry

The solar industry, while striving towards renewable energy, has historically been water-intensive. Various solar technologies, including manufacturing processes, cleaning of solar panels, , demand significant water usage. This dependency added strain to water resources, contradicting the ethos of sustainability. As a well-recognized renewable company, Mahindra Susten confronted this reliance on water for various operational processes. The company took proactive measures to reduce water usage in solar power solutions, pioneering innovative approaches to mitigate the industry's water footprint.

In pursuit of this objective, Susten adopted a ground-breaking solution with a cutting-edge autonomous dry-cleaning robotic system, specifically designed for solar power plants. The technology meticulously oversees maintenance for over 63% of our expansive 1.54 GWp+ IPP portfolio. Its impact goes beyond just operational efficiency; it's a conservation powerhouse, saving an impressive 67 million litres of water annually. This revolutionary step underscores an unwavering dedication to sustainable methods and fostering a planet-positive outcome through clean energy initiatives.

Water Scarcity & Its Impact

The impact of water scarcity reverberates through communities and ecosystems. From drought-stricken areas to regions facing water stress due to excessive extraction for industrial and agricultural needs, the consequences are far-reaching. Places like Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Gujarat, and parts of Southern India suffer from acute water shortages. Some major reasons include erratic rainfall patterns, depleting groundwater levels, and poor water management practices. This crisis has drastic repercussions, including crop failures, diminished access to clean drinking water, and a detrimental impact on local flora and fauna.

The scarcity also causes socio-economic challenges, leading to migration, conflicts over water resources, and heightened vulnerability among marginalized communities. Amidst these challenges, Mahindra Susten has been addressing water scarcity issues through various technology-led projects and community-based initiatives, aiming to alleviate water stress in the regions facing crises.

Sustainable Approaches to Water Conservation

Water conservation entails judiciously managing and using water resources to ensure their long-term availability. Its significance lies not only in preserving life but also in enduring ecosystems, agriculture, and industries. Certainly, adopting water-saving technologies and altering consumption patterns are pivotal in mitigating the crisis.

Mahindra Susten recognizes the urgency of implementing water conservation strategies that strike a balance between development and environmental stewardship. Despite incurring upfront costs, Susten implements innovative technologies and sustainable strategies in its solar power plants to conserve water. These efforts not only align with environmental goals but also contribute to long-term cost savings and sustainability.

Going beyond its elementary practice of dry-cleaning robots, Susten’s design engineers have put together a unique drainage system in place with artificial recharge ponds and pits for water recycling provide an alternative source of this crucial natural resource. Being a leader in the realm of IPP power solutions, the company takes great pride in operating a vast portfolio that amounts to 1.54 GWp+. This milestone translates into an annual contribution of 2.3 billion green units to the national grid w.r.t. our operating portfolio in FY23 , a pivotal step in diminishing the nation's carbon footprint as well.

Not only does this commitment to substantial renewable energy output diminish reliance on fossil fuels, but it also catalyzes the expansion of sustainable energy sources. With these combined efforts, Mahindra Susten has made significant strides towards becoming an ESG leader in the renewable energy sector.