(Commonwealth_ In a significant move towards sustainability and renewable energy, Unilever Sri Lanka has inaugurated a new 2.33 MW solar power project at its Horana factory. This project, executed in partnership with Abans Electricals PLC, marks a crucial step in Unilever’s ongoing commitment to environmental stewardship and aligns with the company’s Global Climate Transition Action Plan (CTAP). The initiative is a testament to Unilever’s dedication to reducing its carbon footprint and supporting Sri Lanka’s national goals for renewable energy.
Investing in a Greener Future
The solar power project at the Horana factory represents a substantial investment of 1.3 million Euros by Unilever Sri Lanka. This strategic investment is designed to produce between 30% and 35% of the factory’s energy requirements, significantly decreasing its reliance on non-renewable energy sources. By transitioning a substantial portion of its energy consumption to solar power, Unilever is not only lowering operational costs but also setting a benchmark for sustainable manufacturing practices in the region.
Ali Tariq, Chairman and CEO of Unilever Sri Lanka, emphasized the company’s commitment to sustainability, stating, “We are proud to inaugurate this solar power project, yet another investment to protecting our environment through sustainable practices. It is not just about manufacturing quality products and brands. We also ensure that we act as responsible corporate citizens in everything we do, aligning with our global vision of making sustainable living commonplace.”
Environmental and National Impact
The Horana solar project is expected to significantly reduce Unilever’s carbon footprint. The installation will curb carbon emissions by approximately 2,090 metric tons annually. To put this into perspective, this reduction is equivalent to the environmental impact of planting over 48,000 trees each year, showcasing the project’s substantial contribution to combating climate change.
Power and Energy Minister Kanchana Wijesekera lauded Unilever’s initiative, highlighting its dual benefits for the company and the country. “I would like to congratulate the Unilever Sri Lanka team for initiating this rooftop solar mechanism in the Horana manufacturing facility. It helps with the factory’s power generation as well as contributes towards national targets of renewable energy. With the targets that we’ve set for 70% renewable energy carbon neutrality by 2050, there needs to be more private participation in the industry. I’m glad that 2.33 MW rooftop solar will contribute to about 1.5% of our own target for this year on rooftop solar facilities.”
Aligning with National and Global Goals
Unilever Sri Lanka’s solar power project aligns closely with the ambitious goals set by the Sri Lankan government to transition the country’s electricity supply to renewable sources by 2030. Minister Wijesekera’s comments underscore the importance of private sector participation in achieving these targets, as the country grapples with the urgent need to address climate change. Sri Lanka’s energy strategy includes expanding beyond traditional hydropower to incorporate more solar, wind, biomass, and innovative battery storage solutions.
Globally, Unilever’s CTAP outlines a comprehensive strategy to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions across its operations and value chain. The company aims to achieve net zero emissions by 2039, with a robust focus on climate change mitigation, nature conservation, plastic reduction, and supporting sustainable livelihoods. The Horana solar project is a critical component of this broader strategy, demonstrating Unilever’s proactive approach to integrating sustainable practices across its global operations.
Expanding Solar Capacity
Building on the success of the Horana project, Unilever Sri Lanka plans to further increase its solar power generation capacity. By 2024, the company aims to boost its total solar generation to 4 MWs across its network, reinforcing its role as a leader in sustainable energy within the FMCG sector in Sri Lanka.
