NMDC sets Net Zero target for operational emissions by 2047

NMDC Ltd plans to achieve net zero operational emissions by 2047, covering emissions arising from direct fuel consumption and electricity consumption, respectively.

The state-run iron ore producer will focus on scope-1 and scope-2 emissions which means emissions a company directly produces from its own operations and those generated indirectly from the electricity a company buys and uses.

Under its roadmap, the company has identified key strategies such as energy efficiency, renewable energy integration, electrification of its fleet, adoption of low-carbon fuels, carbon capture, utilisation and storage and demand-side management, it said in a statement on Friday.


The net zero plan will be in three phases - FY26 to FY30, followed by a medium-term phase from starting FY31 to FY40, while the long-term phase will run till FY47.

The company has set an overall target of a minimum 90% reduction in operational emissions as part of its Net Zero pathway, with the remaining emissions to be addressed through offsetting measures as the roadmap progresses.

NMDC has already undertaken initiatives to increase the share of renewable energy and cut dependence on conventional energy sources.

These include a 10.5 MW wind energy facility at Chitradurga and solar power installations across projects.

The company’s logistics infrastructure is also expected to contribute to its decarbonisation efforts.

The upcoming slurry pipeline project is expected to provide a greener downstream transportation solution by reducing dependence on conventional transportation and associated warehousing requirements.

Further, NMDC plans to increase the movement of iron ore through rail freight, supported by the doubling of railway lines and other supply infrastructure being developed around its operations. Greater use of rail transportation is expected to help reduce the carbon intensity associated with the movement of minerals.

The company plans to progressively implement the identified measures across these three phases, with energy efficiency, renewable energy adoption and electrification expected to form key components of the initial transition, followed by deeper decarbonisation measures and emerging technologies in the subsequent phases.