Vedanta to Balance Coal and Renewables in Energy Transition Strategy
Vedanta to Cut Coal Dependence to 50–60% While Expanding Renewables in Mining Operations
Vedanta Resources will continue to rely on coal as the backbone of its energy supply while steadily increasing the share of renewables across its mining operations, CEO Deshnee Naidoo said on Tuesday at the FT Live Energy Transition Summit India.
Currently, coal accounts for nearly 70% of Vedanta’s energy mix. “Coal will be, for us in Vedanta, the baseload contributor,” Naidoo said.
However, the company plans to reduce coal dependence to 50–60% over the next three to four years, replacing it with solar, wind, and hybrid energy solutions to support its decarbonization goals. Similar transitions are being explored in Vedanta’s international operations.
Zambia Expansion and Energy Strategy
In Zambia, where power shortages can last up to 20 hours a day, Vedanta plans to build a 300 MW power facility, equally split between coal and renewables, to support its mining expansion.
Naidoo also confirmed that Vedanta has restored copper production at its Zambian unit to 180,000–200,000 metric tons, matching levels last seen in 2018. The company is targeting an increase to 300,000 metric tons within three years.
While the unit’s revival is underway, Naidoo noted that no timeline has been set for a public listing of the operation.
No Immediate Lithium Plans in India
Back in India, Vedanta has no current plans to enter lithium mining, Naidoo said, explaining that the country’s exploration potential has yet to be fully established.
