Suzuki Motor Corporation has officially signed an investment agreement with NDDB Mrida Limited (Mrida), a subsidiary of the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB). Under the investment agreement, Suzuki has collaborated through its wholly-owned subsidiary, Suzuki R&D Center India Private Limited. It’s another vital step toward achieving sustainable energy solutions in the country. The signing ceremony took place at NDDB’s headquarters in Anand, Gujarat, with key figures from India’s dairy industry, including NDDB Executive Director S Rajeev and Suzuki President Toshihiro Suzuki, in attendance.

Also read: Indian Biogas Association proposes over $4000 million investment for compressed biogas plants

As part of its continued effort to contribute towards India’s carbon neutrality, Suzuki is working in association with NDDB and the associations of Indian dairy industries to put up biogas plants across India. The use of cow dung as a source of renewable resource will help the generation of clean energy besides solving the waste management problems for the dairy sector.

NDDB established Mrida as a wholly owned subsidiary in July 2022, with a focus on environmental conservation and agricultural development. The company was at the top as far as putting up and running biogas plants using cow dung for help in both energy generation and agricultural waste reduction.

Suzuki’s Commitment to Expanding Biogas Operations in India

This partnership would enable Suzuki to expand its biogas operations in India and collaborate closely with dairy cooperatives across the country. The investment would increase the number of biogas plants, which would promote cleaner, more sustainable energy while giving the local agricultural and dairy communities a boost.

Strengthening India’s Renewable Energy Future

The Suzuki and Mrida collaboration marks an important step towards a greener future for India. Through support for biogas growth as a renewable source of energy, both companies contribute to broader environmental goals of the nation: helping develop sustainable agricultural practices and energy solutions compatible with the carbon neutrality target of India.

Authorities in Russia’s Krasnodar region announced a region-wide emergency after two damaged oil tankers caused severe pollution. One tanker was split in half by a storm on while another ran aground, which resulted in an oil spill. The incident occured on 15 December.

The oil spill has polluted the coastline, affecting the Anapa and Temryuk districts.

Governor Veniamin Kondratiev escalated the crisis level to a region-wide emergency after oil continued to wash ashore. Previously, only a municipal-level emergency was in place.

The Volgoneft-239 tanker, one of the vessels involved, had its bow found underwater. Divers plan to examine it for potential oil leaks once the weather improves. This inspection is crucial to assess further environmental risks.

Also read: Chevron resolves Kern County oil spills with $13 million settlement

Environmental Impact and Clean-Up Operations

The spill covered beaches in and around the popular summer resort town of Anapa with a blanket of oil. The main victims of marine wildlife involved seabirds, dolphins, and porpoises. Over 10,000 workers have been deployed and are actively working to clean up and rectify the damages.

A crisis center overseeing the operation reported surveying more than 256 square kilometers of the coastal area. Workers have collected 25 tons of oil-water sludge so far.

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Tourism and Local Economy Affected

The oil spill has had devastatic effects on the region. Anapa, known for its local tourism industry has suffered a blow due to the mishap.

As mentioned earlier, efforts to control the damages in underway. However, the long term economic and environmental consequences remain doubtful

Call for Action

The Krasnodar government is coordinating with environmental experts to mitigate the spill’s impact. Ensuring the safe removal of residual oil is a priority to protect marine life and restore the coastline.

This crisis highlights the dangers of aging oil tankers and emphasizes the need for stricter regulations to prevent future incidents.