Vedanta-owned producer reports strongest five-year decarbonisation gains yet, targets sharper methane cuts as part of its Net Zero roadmap

Cairn Oil & Gas, a Vedanta Group company and India’s largest private upstream producer, has reported a carbon emission reduction of 89,770 tonnes of CO₂e in FY25, an impact the company says is equivalent to planting 4.5 million trees every year. The disclosure is part of Cairn’s latest Sustainability Report, themed Inspiring Actions, Fostering Impact, which outlines progress across climate goals, environmental stewardship, and community engagement.

Five-Year Gains Strengthen Decarbonisation Push

Cairn has recorded 305,220 tonnes of CO₂e reduction over the last five years — comparable to the carbon sequestration capacity of nearly 15 million trees. During the same period, it conserved 3.11 million GJ of energy, underscoring a sustained operational shift towards efficiency and low-carbon systems.

The company has also planted around 800,000 trees and mangroves across Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Andhra Pradesh, moving closer to its target of two million by 2030. Further, Cairn has pledged to cut absolute methane emissions by 30% in the next five years, signalling a deeper focus on tackling high-impact greenhouse gases.

Priya Agarwal Hebbar, Non-Executive Director at Vedanta and Chairperson of Hindustan Zinc Limited, said the group’s sustainability approach is rooted in India’s tradition of balancing growth with responsibility.

“Protecting the planet is central to how we take decisions, going beyond compliance and cost to create long-term value for our communities and the environment. Cairn’s achievement of reducing more than 300,000 tonnes of carbon emissions over the last five years, equivalent to planting 15 million trees, is a strong reflection of this commitment,” she said.

She added that the performance reinforces Vedanta’s resolve to pursue a resilient, sustainable future for the next generation.

Jasmin Sahurity, Chief Operating Officer at Cairn Oil & Gas, said the company is committed to supporting India’s energy needs while meeting its climate goals.

“Cairn stands at the forefront of India’s energy transformation, committed to increasing domestic production while safeguarding the interest of the planet and people. We have made incredible progress over the years towards our Net Zero Carbon goal,” he said.

According to Sahurity, the ESG report highlights the company’s push to empower communities through skills, livelihood opportunities, and technology-driven development programmes.

Beyond Production Targets

Cairn, which aims to contribute 50 per cent of India’s domestic crude output, has expanded its sustainability framework across environmental, social, and governance metrics. From methane management and energy conservation to large-scale plantation programmes and community partnerships, the company says it is integrating climate and social considerations into long-term business strategy.

With the FY25 report, Cairn has sought to showcase that the oil and gas sector — often seen as hard-to-abate — can accelerate decarbonisation while scaling domestic energy production.