Indian Oil Corporation to make itself self-sustainable in Kerala by relying on alternative sources of energy

Under the ‘Vipinam’ initiative, launched in March, IOC distributes various neatly packed saplings that can be bought at their retail outlets, aimed at replacing bouquets as gifts.

KOCHI: Public sector oil major Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) is aiming to be self-sustainable in the state by relying on alternative sources of energy. IOC-Kerala chief general manager P S Mony said the company will finish installing a 4 MW solar plant in Irumpanam by the year-end.IOC also has plans to make all its retail outlets, offices and plants self-sustainable. Towards that end, IOC will share with dealers 60 per cent of the cost to install solar facilities in its retail outlets.

Mony said the company is committed to lending its might to protect the environment. “Across India, through solar and wind power generation capacities, we produce electricity to the tune of 200 MW, which is slated to go up to 400 MW by 2020,” he said.“The Corporation’s initiative over the years has seen 560 rain-water harvesting systems being installed at various refineries, terminals, depots and housing complexes of Indian Oil. With a total catchment area of 950 hectares, about 3 billion litres of water is being harvested annually.” As part of the efforts in aiding afforestation, IOC has planted more than 2 million saplings which they claim have resulted in 40 metric tonnes of carbon sequestration. IOC has also committed to reduce its carbon footprint by 18 per cent and water footprint by 20 per cent by the year 2020. With regard to vehicular pollution, the company has progressively upgraded the quality of auto fuels in terms of emission-related parameters and to meet the quality requirement of new generation vehicles, which are significantly less polluting.

Under the ‘Vipinam’ initiative, launched in March, IOC distributes various neatly packed saplings that can be bought at their retail outlets, aimed at replacing bouquets as gifts. The Vipinam scheme will also equip its retail outlets with vertical gardens and plant nurseries. As part of the World Environment Day on Tuesday, IOC will be distributing saplings and seed balls at its retail outlets across the state.

Source: newindianexpress