Pioneering Sustainability, AGEL Sets Global Benchmark for Water Conservation in Renewable Energy
In a milestone that redefines what sustainability can look like in the renewable energy sector, Adani Green Energy Limited (AGEL) has emerged as the world’s first renewable energy Independent Power Producer (IPP) with a massive operational portfolio of over 14 GW to be certified water positive across its entire fleet.
This trailblazing achievement puts AGEL in a league of its own, making it the only renewable energy company among the global top 10 to reach this benchmark. Notably, the certification comes a full year ahead of its internal FY26 target, showcasing AGEL’s unwavering commitment to environmental stewardship.
Leading with Purpose: From Deserts to Oasis
AGEL’s operational portfolio spans some of India’s most water-stressed and inhospitable terrains—such as Khavda in Gujarat and the Thar Desert in Rajasthan—areas where even basic water availability is a daily challenge. Yet, through innovation, technology, and community-focused interventions, the company has turned these arid zones into beacons of sustainable development.
The water positivity milestone, validated by global assurance firm Intertek, was awarded after a rigorous audit of 103 operational renewable energy sites and 85 water conservation projects.
To put AGEL’s achievement into perspective: its water conservation efforts have cumulatively saved water equivalent to 467 Olympic-sized swimming pools, enough to meet the six-month water demand of the Lakshadweep Islands.
More importantly, these efforts have translated into real, grassroots impact. The 85 rejuvenated water bodies are now benefiting over 1.23 lakh people, many from water-scarce and rural communities.
Understanding Water Positivity: More Than Just Saving Water
Being water positive means a company replenishes more water than it consumes—through initiatives like:
- Rainwater harvesting
- Revival of traditional ponds
- Use of waterless robotic cleaning systems for solar panels
- Pilot technologies like air-to-water condensation for clean drinking water
This approach moves beyond compliance, creating a net positive impact on ecosystems and communities.
An AGEL spokesperson remarked, “We don’t just generate green energy. We build it the greenest way possible. Climate change is going to deepen water stress globally—and India is already facing critical water security challenges. That’s why this milestone is more than symbolic; it’s a necessity.”
The Journey: From ESG Goals to National Impact
AGEL’s water positivity journey began with a focused Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) goal to make 200 MW of its operational capacity water positive by FY26. That goal was not only met early in FY23, but the company also expanded its vision to cover its entire 14 GW portfolio.
Fast forward to May 2025—and AGEL has achieved this enlarged goal a full year ahead of schedule.
Key highlights of the company’s water conservation approach include:
- Over 54% of operational capacity uses robotic waterless cleaning, saving an estimated 546 million litres annually.
- Traditional ponds across villages have been deepened and desilted, ensuring rainwater retention and year-round availability.
- AGEL is experimenting with air-to-water tech to generate potable water from humidity—an innovation especially useful in remote, arid regions.
A Blueprint for Climate-Resilient Infrastructure
India ranks among the countries with the lowest freshwater availability per capita, and its population pressures amplify the stakes. AGEL’s model is now being hailed as a replicable blueprint for water-smart infrastructure that can support not just clean energy generation but also long-term climate resilience.
By integrating water sustainability into core business operations, AGEL demonstrates that renewable energy can coexist with regenerative environmental practices. The result is a dual victory: clean power for a growing economy, and water security for the communities that host these large-scale projects.
Recognition and Broader ESG Commitment
In addition to being water positive, AGEL’s operational portfolio is now also certified single-use plastic free and zero waste-to-landfill—a testament to the company’s holistic approach toward sustainability and responsible business.
These certifications are more than green badges; they indicate deep process transformation, third-party verification, and transparent data accounting—qualities increasingly demanded by global investors and regulators alike.
Industry Implications: Setting a New Global Standard
This achievement places AGEL as a front-runner in the global renewable energy space, not just in terms of capacity but also in terms of impact. As the world moves toward net-zero goals, companies like AGEL are proving that the transition can be both climate-friendly and community-conscious.
By delivering high-capacity, low-footprint energy while also restoring natural water cycles, AGEL has turned sustainability into a measurable and scalable business advantage.
The renewable energy sector has often been critiqued for water usage in panel cleaning and cooling. With its pioneering waterless robotic technology and community water regeneration efforts, AGEL has directly addressed and resolved this challenge.
A Milestone with Ripple Effects
Adani Green Energy’s water positive certification is not just an internal milestone—it’s a message to the world that sustainability is scalable. By combining cutting-edge technology, environmental restoration, and community involvement, AGEL has not only turned arid deserts into power hubs but also into living ecosystems that thrive.
As India continues its journey toward energy independence and environmental resilience, AGEL’s achievement offers a clear vision for what the future can look like: green energy built the greenest way possible—powered by the sun, but mindful of the water.In doing so, AGEL isn’t just transforming power—it’s powering transformation.
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