Hindustan Unilever Limited's Path to 100% Renewable Energy
- Muhammad Ahmad
- Dec 12, 2024
- 2 min read
Hindustan Unilever is leading the way towards renewable energy-powered manufacturing
Transforming operations with solar, wind, and digital innovations
14 manufacturing sites have already achieved 100% renewable energy status.
HUL's renewable energy strategy includes solar, wind, and digital innovations.
Through efficiency improvements, HUL has reduced its energy consumption by 45% since 2008.
As part of its commitment to sustainability, Hindustan Unilever (HUL) is transitioning to 100% renewable energy across its manufacturing sites. The company has reached a major milestone by leveraging solar and wind power, along with cutting-edge digital solutions, with 14 of its factories now operating entirely on renewable energy. HUL’s focus on optimizing energy generation and consumption drives progress toward environmentally responsible and efficient manufacturing.
The global reliance on fossil fuels remains a critical concern, contributing to climate change and rising CO2 emissions. According to NASA and the IPCC, the world is on the brink of surpassing a 1.5°C rise in temperature, which could have severe and far-reaching consequences for the planet. The need for urgent action is undeniable, and companies like HUL are taking responsibility by reducing their environmental footprint through renewable energy solutions.
Technical Focus
The renewable energy market in India is growing rapidly, driven by the government’s ambitious renewable energy targets and a push towards clean, sustainable power. As of 2024, India’s renewable energy capacity has exceeded 175 GW, with further expansion expected, particularly in the solar and wind energy sectors. Renewable energy costs continue to fall, making it increasingly viable for businesses to transition to green energy sources.
HUL’s green energy journey encompasses renewable energy generation and consumption. The company has installed 30 MW of solar panels across its factories, with plans to add more. It is also expanding its wind energy capacity with an existing 10 MW windmill and a future 3 MW expansion. These efforts have already made a significant impact, with solar and wind contributing to 14% of the company’s electricity needs in 2023, a share set to grow in the coming years.
Through initiatives like high-efficiency motors, magnetic chillers, and smart energy management systems, HUL also optimizes its energy consumption. These improvements and digital innovations ensure the company maximizes energy efficiency across electrical and thermal systems. Technologies such as the Clever Energy™ platform and real-time visualization tools are helping HUL reduce energy costs and improve operational efficiency.