:Maruti Suzuki installs 1 MW battery storage system at Kharkhoda plant.

Maruti Suzuki, as part of its efforts to improve renewable energy usage and reduce emissions, has announced the commissioning of 1 MW Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) at its Kharkhoda manufacturing facility in Haryana. The system complements a 20 MWp solar power plant to be installed at the facility in 2025 and is introduced as a pilot project connected to the plant’s internal power distribution network.Battery storage systems are designed to capture surplus solar energy generated during factory holidays or periods of low power demand and supply it back when needed. Apart from reducing wastage of renewable energy, Maruti Suzuki says that BESS will also support grid stability within the facility. In simple terms, the system works like a big rechargeable battery. Instead of letting excess electricity from a solar plant remain unused when manufacturing activities stop, it stores that energy and releases it during periods of high demand.

According to the company, BESS has an estimated operational life of approximately 15 years. It is estimated to reduce about 54 tonnes of CO₂ emissions annually by increasing the use of solar energy generated at the Kharkhoda plant. The automaker also said it is committed to reducing Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions despite the increase in production volumes. The focus will be on reducing both carbon intensity and overall emissions from manufacturing operations. Maruti Suzuki’s environment roadmap is in line with its parent company Suzuki Motor Corporation, which has set an interim target of reducing Scope 1 and Scope 2 CO₂ emissions by 42 per cent by FY 2030-31 compared to FY 2022-23. Although the battery storage system does not directly impact the vehicles produced at the plant, increasing production at Kharkhoda is expected to improve the efficiency of renewable energy use. The project is another step in Maruti Suzuki’s efforts to make its manufacturing operations more sustainable.Announcing the initiative, Mr. Hisashi Takeuchi, Managing Director and CEO, Maruti Suzuki India Limited, said, “Maruti Suzuki is strongly aligned with India’s focus on building a self-reliant energy ecosystem. The introduction of Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) at our Kharkhoda facility is part of these continuing efforts. With a lifecycle of approximately 15 years, BESS will help reduce approximately 54 tonnes of CO₂ emissions annually. He said, “Going forward, our production volumes will increase from the current level. Despite this, we are committed to reducing Scope 1 and 2 emissions not only in terms of CO2 intensity but also in terms of absolute CO2 emissions in manufacturing. Our approach is in line with the environmental approach of our parent company, Suzuki Motor Corporation, which has committed to reduce Scope 1 and 2 CO2 emissions by 42% by FY 2030-31 compared to FY 2030-31.” An intermediate target has been set for 2022-23.