SiliconTech, the engineering institute of Silicon University, has successfully completed a high-impact consultancy project for Hindustan Aluminum Corporation Limited (HINDALCO) at its Hirakud Smelter Plant in Odisha.
The project aimed to enhance the plant’s electrical safety systems by evaluating and improving its existing infrastructure for Lightning Arresters (LAs), earthing, and surge protection mechanisms. As a flagship company of the Aditya Birla Group, HINDALCO places high emphasis on operational safety and efficiency. The consultancy provided a crucial opportunity to strengthen these aspects through in-depth technical analysis and recommendations tailored to the plant’s specific needs.
The project, titled ‘Analyse and Vetting of LA Report Along with Recommending an Alternative Cost-Effective Solution for Lightning, Earthing and Surge Protection Measures of Hirakud’, was officially received by SiliconTech on 12 November 2024. It concluded on 11 July 2025. This engagement highlights our growing role in providing industry-relevant engineering solutions.
Led by the Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering (EEE), our team carried out a comprehensive assessment of current systems, identified gaps in the existing LA report, and proposed technically sound and cost-effective alternatives. The scope included evaluation of existing protection systems, assessment of earthing across critical zones, and alignment with relevant industry safety standards. The final report delivered actionable insights focused on performance improvement and cost optimization.
The consultancy was well-received by HINDALCO, with several recommendations being considered for phased implementation. This successful collaboration not only enhances the safety and reliability of critical plant infrastructure but also strengthens the growing partnership between Silicon and HINDALCO. It reinforces our commitment to applying academic and engineering expertise to solve real-world industrial challenges and sets the stage for future collaborations with leading industries in the region.
