Water conservation measures for renewable power plant - How Susten is moving towards water security

Starting note

In the renewable energy sector, where water is vital for solar module cleaning, Mahindra Susten has made water conservation a top priority. By implementing innovative strategies, we have successfully safeguarded enormous amount of water annually.

Executive Summary

Water – the elixir of life is a precious resource, and as we tread the path towards a sustainable future, its conservation becomes paramount. At Mahindra Susten, we understand the critical role water plays in our operations, especially in solar and wind power plants.

Water is not only essential for sustaining life but also for powering renewable energy sources like solar and wind. From cooling systems to cleaning panels, water is integral to the efficient functioning of renewable power plants. However, with increasing water scarcity and environmental concerns, it's imperative to adopt sustainable practices to minimise water usage and maximise efficiency.

Executive Summary
Initiative

This blog explores our proactive measures for water conservation and our journey towards achieving water security.

Cleaning robots: The future of efficient maintenance

Imagine robots that not only clean efficiently but also save water. At Mahindra Susten, we've made this a reality with our cutting-edge cleaning robots. By investing in advanced dry-cleaning technology, we've managed to eliminate the need for water in module cleaning across 63% of our portfolio. These robots use specialised brushes and air blowers to remove dust and debris from the solar panels, ensuring optimal performance without the use of water. This not only conserves water but also reduces the frequency of cleanings required, thereby extending the lifespan of the panels and lowering maintenance costs. The deployment of these robots is a testament to our commitment to innovation and sustainability, as they help us achieve significant water savings while maintaining high standards of cleanliness and efficiency.

Artificial recharge ponds and rainwater harvesting

In our quest for water conservation, we've embraced the concept of artificial recharge ponds and rainwater harvesting recharge pits. These systems are designed to capture rainwater and runoff, allowing us to recharge groundwater reserves sustainably. Artificial recharge ponds are large, strategically located basins that collect and store rainwater during periods of heavy rainfall. This stored water then gradually infiltrates the ground, replenishing the aquifers. Rainwater harvesting recharge pits, on the other hand, are designed to collect rainwater from rooftops and other surfaces, filtering it before directing it underground to recharge the groundwater. By incorporating these designs into our projects, we’ve significantly enhanced our water security, reducing our dependency on external water sources, and contributing to the replenishment of local groundwater levels. This holistic approach to water management helps us mitigate the effects of drought and ensures a sustainable water supply for our operations and surrounding communities.

Innovative water-saving cleaning systems

Even in areas where robotic systems are not feasible, we've implemented high-quality water spray pumps, efficient water piping systems, and innovative module cleaning brushes. These tools are designed to minimize water usage while maintaining optimal cleanliness and performance of our solar panels. The water spray pumps are engineered to deliver a precise amount of water directly to the panels, reducing wastage. Our efficient water piping systems ensure that water is distributed evenly and only, when necessary, further conserving this precious resource. Additionally, the innovative module cleaning brushes are designed to enhance cleaning efficiency, reducing the need for frequent cleanings and thereby saving water. These systems collectively enable us to maintain the performance and longevity of our solar panels while adhering to our stringent water conservation goals.

Outcome

Through our comprehensive water conservation measures, Mahindra Susten has achieved remarkable results:

Annual water savings: These robots have revolutionised our water usage, resulting in the conservation of almost 67 million litres of water annually – equivalent to fulfilling the basic water needs of 50,000 people throughout the year.

Water positivity: Achieved 100% water positivity, demonstrating our effective water repurposing and recycling efforts.

These outcomes reflect our commitment to pushing the boundaries of water conservation in the renewable energy sector.

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Conclusion:

Protecting the planet is key to our sustainability goals and creating a better world. Water management isn't just a goal for us – it's a reality. Through innovation, dedication, and a steadfast commitment to sustainability, we have established ourselves as leaders in water security within the renewable energy industry.