Piramal Pharma Limited has achieved a major environmental milestone in its API and intermediates manufacturing plant in Digwal, India, with the successful replacement of its coal fired steam boiler by running on renewable biomass briquettes. The conversion fits within the larger scope of sustainability for the company and is one of the crucial milestones towards reducing the emission of greenhouse gases across all of its facilities.

Savings of 24,000 Tonnes Carbon Annually

This reduction is a giant step toward executing the 42% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions by 2030. Piramal’s foray into sustainable manufacturing shows that the company can work toward producing eco friendly solutions and global climate action effort.

Biomass Briquettes: The Future of Fuels

Using biomass briquettes is another huge step for Piramal towards the sustainability curve. Piramal Pharma has turned its coal fired steam boiler to biomass briquettes, a renewable energy source backing a circular economy. Using biomass briquettes reuses organic waste, reduces landfill, and also offers an eco friendly fuel alternative to coal, which promotes sustainability.

Also read: Report uncovers biomass power stations’ emissions are four times higher than UK coal plants

Peter DeYoung, Chief Executive Officer of Piramal Global Pharma, said, “This transformation at our Digwal facility underscores our commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainable operational practices. By transitioning to biomass briquettes, we are significantly reducing our GHG emissions and setting new industry standards for responsible pharmaceutical manufacturing.”

Supporting Global Sustainability Goals

The initiative shows how pharmaceutical companies can drive climate action without compromising operational excellence or business performance. Piramal Pharma’s continued investment in sustainable practices also reflects its dedication to responsible growth and a greener future. Additionally, the Digwal facility conversion demonstrates how industries can balance economic growth with environmental sustainability through process adaptations.

The Asian Development Bank recently inked a $92.6 million funding arrangement with PT Supreme Energy Muara Laboh for the harnessing of Indonesia’s geothermal energy resources in Muara Laboh, Sumatra. Under this deal, it will design, construct and operate an 83 MW of a new power plant in the west coast province. This can enable the nation to achieve its clean energy target and maintain its long-run energy security.

Financing Package for Geothermal Expansion

This consists of a blend of financing under a package with $38.8 million provided through ADB’s ordinary capital resources, $38.8 million syndicated ADB B loan from Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation, and $15 million in a concessional loan from the Australian Climate Finance Partnership (ACFP). It is the first project that ADB has mobilized private commercial capital for an Indonesian greenfield geothermal Independent Power Producer project and also offers coverage of uncovered project risks.

ADB remains committed to the geothermal sector in Indonesia.

As the structuring bank lead on this deal, ADB continues to have a significant role to play in the geothermal industry in Indonesia. Since 2013, ADB has been financing several geothermal projects across the country including Muara Laboh Stage 1 and Rantau Dedap to the Sarulla geothermal power project. This new finance underlines ADB’s commitment to developing the world’s largest and biggest share of geothermal potential, 23.1 gigawatts, in Indonesia.

The Muara Laboh geothermal project will reduce greenhouse gas emissions and help Indonesia transition to cleaner, sustainable energy sources. ADB’s support, in addition to the Australian government’s backing, is critical in reducing risks and ensuring the project’s success. This project is vital for helping Indonesia achieve clean energy goals while ensuring affordable electricity for its population.

Apart from environmental benefits, the project will boost the local economy. The project will create jobs, give a boost to community development, and aid in economic growth while shifting the region towards renewable energy.

Also read: ADB Commits $1 Billion Annually to Boost Bangladesh’s Climate Resilience and Sustainability

ACFP’s Role in Risk Mitigation and Project Financing

This high-impact geothermal project would entail significant derisking by the Australian Climate Finance Partnership under the ADB’s management. This facility, made available by Australia, is also a means to boost private sector investments into climate adaptation and mitigation projects in Southeast Asia.

Indonesia has vast, almost untouched geothermal resources. While Indonesia has already harnessed just a fragment of its potential 23.1 gigawatt, it can be crucial to the pursuit of long-term energy and sustainability for the country through projects such as Muara Laboh.