GFG Alliance Executive Chairman, Mr Sanjeev Gupta, has been recognised for his commitment to Sustainability, receiving the prestigious award for Business Leader of the Year, presented by the Climate Alliance.
Mr Gupta was celebrated for his vision and commitment to deliver long-term solutions to customers and cyclical industries, demonstrated through his investment in new generation renewable energy assets, providing reliable and sustainable energy solutions to GFG Alliance businesses, other industries and Australian retail customers.
The Climate Alliance Awards recognise Australian business executives and companies that have demonstrated leadership in the area of managing the opportunities and risks presented by climate change. The Business Leader of the Year award specifically acknowledges an individual who has gone above and beyond ‘business as usual’, by putting effort into new approaches and demonstrating outstanding leadership, increasing awareness of the issues associated with climate change and leads through action.
Through SIMEC Zen Energy, Mr Gupta aims to deliver a step-change in the electricity industry to substantially reduce the cost of dispatchable power in Australia through renewable energy in a sustainable manner, providing long-term solutions to industry, including the GFG Alliance manufacturing businesses.
“Australia is blessed with some of the best sources of renewable energy in the world. It is my belief that long-term sustainable energy solutions are achievable and will benefit industry, but they need to be founded on both economic and environmental principles in order to work properly,” Mr Gupta said.
Through SIMEC Zen Energy, GFG Alliance is investing in renewable energy projects to drive greater penetration of renewable energy into the broader energy market. SIMEC Zen Energy’s current projects include pumped hydro and co-generation of power at Whyalla, South Australia and recently announced plans to build the Cultana Solar Farm which is expected to begin construction in early 2019. The solar farm is expected to offset ~492,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide each year.
On presentation of the award, Ben Scheltus, CEO and Executive Director of the Climate Alliance said: “We had a strong field of nominations. Our Board of Advisors was greatly impressed with Sanjeev’s vision for the company. He is a global leader who has consistently applied sound economic and environmental principles to the risks and opportunities of climate change. By harnessing renewable energy to make steel, he has ensured the sustainability of the SA steel industry.
Mr Gupta was unable to attend the ceremony due to prior travel commitments. CEO of SIMEC Zen Energy, Mr Marc Barrington, accepted the award on Mr Gupta’s behalf at the ceremony held in Melbourne yesterday.
Reflecting on the award, Mr Gupta said: “I am extremely proud to receive this award, it is a great honour for me and for the GFG family. Sustainability is at the core of everything we do and is foundational to our vision to create a sustainable future for industry and society. I strive to create generational change in everything that I do, so to be recognised as an outstanding role model and leader is a great privilege.
