Maruti Suzuki has announced the commissioning of a 1 MWh Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) at its Kharkhoda manufacturing facility in Haryana, as part of its efforts to improve renewable energy utilisation and reduce emissions. The system complements the 20 MWp solar power plant installed at the facility in 2025 and has been introduced as a pilot project connected to the plant’s internal electricity distribution network.The battery storage system is designed to capture surplus solar energy generated during factory holidays or periods of low electricity demand and supply it back when required. Apart from reducing wastage of renewable energy, Maruti Suzuki says the BESS will also support grid stability within the facility. In simple terms, the system functions like a large rechargeable battery. Instead of allowing excess electricity from the solar plant to go unused when manufacturing activities are halted, it stores that energy and releases it during periods of higher demand.
According to the company, the BESS has an expected operating life of around 15 years. It is projected to reduce nearly 54 tonnes of CO₂ emissions annually by increasing the use of solar power generated at the Kharkhoda plant. The automaker also said it remains committed to reducing Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions even as production volumes increase. The focus will remain on lowering both carbon intensity and overall emissions from manufacturing operations. Maruti Suzuki’s environmental roadmap is aligned with that of 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 FY2030-31, compared with FY2022-23. Although the battery storage system does not directly affect the vehicles produced at the plant, it is expected to improve the efficiency of renewable energy use as production at Kharkhoda ramps up. The project marks another step in Maruti Suzuki’s efforts to make its manufacturing operations more sustainable.Announcing the initiative, Mr Hisashi Takeuchi, Managing Director & CEO, Maruti Suzuki India Limited, said, “Maruti Suzuki is strongly aligned with India’s focus on building self-reliant energy ecosystems. The introduction of Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) at our Kharkhoda facility is part of these continued efforts. With a lifecycle of about 15 years, BESS will help to reduce nearly 54 tonnes of CO₂ emissions annually. He added, “Going forward, our production volumes will increase from current levels. Despite this, we remain committed to lower Scope 1 & 2 emissions not only in terms of CO2 intensity but also in absolute CO2 emissions in manufacturing. Our approach is in line with our parent company, Suzuki Motor Corporation’s environmental vision, which has set an intermediate target to reduce Scope 1 & 2 CO2 emissions by 42% by FY 2030-31 compared to FY 2022-23.
