Maruti Suzuki Commissions 1 MWh Energy Storage at Kharkhoda Plant

The deployment of a new 1 MWh battery energy storage system at the Kharkhoda facility marks a significant step in Maruti Suzuki’s strategy to optimize renewable energy usage and reduce its manufacturing carbon footprint.

KHARKHODA, HARYANA — Maruti Suzuki India Limited has officially commissioned a 1 MWh Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) at its manufacturing facility in Kharkhoda, Haryana. The integration of this storage technology is designed to bolster the company’s renewable energy ecosystem by capturing surplus power generated from the site’s existing solar infrastructure.

The move comes as the automaker scales up production capacity at its newest manufacturing hub, aiming to balance rising output with its long-term environmental commitments.

Enhancing Renewable Energy Efficiency

In 2025, Maruti Suzuki installed a 20 MWp solar power project at the Kharkhoda site to help power its assembly lines. However, the company faced a recurring operational challenge: electricity generated during facility holidays or low-demand periods often went to waste due to a lack of immediate consumption.

By integrating the 1 MWh BESS into the facility’s internal electricity distribution network, the company can now store this excess solar energy. The system discharges the stored power during peak operating hours, allowing the plant to better utilize its captive renewable energy and reducing reliance on the external grid.

Strategic Commitment to Decarbonization

According to the company, the BESS initiative is a pilot project with a projected lifecycle of approximately 15 years. It is expected to mitigate nearly 54 tonnes of $CO_2$ emissions annually.

Hisashi Takeuchi, Managing Director & CEO of Maruti Suzuki India Limited, stated that the installation aligns with broader national efforts to build self-reliant energy ecosystems. "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 $CO_2$ intensity but also in absolute $CO_2$ emission in manufacturing," Takeuchi said.

This initiative is part of a wider environmental vision shared with the company's parent firm, Suzuki Motor Corporation. The corporation has established an intermediate target to reduce Scope 1 and Scope 2 $CO_2$ emissions by 42% by FY 2030-31, using FY 2022-23 as the baseline.

Operational Impact and Grid Stability

Beyond improving solar utilization, the BESS is intended to enhance the stability of the plant's internal power distribution network. As the Kharkhoda facility continues to expand—with current production capacity starting at 5 lakh units and a long-term goal of reaching 10 lakh units—the ability to manage energy loads efficiently becomes critical to maintaining high productivity and operational sustainability.

The Kharkhoda plant is currently one of Maruti Suzuki's most advanced facilities, utilizing Industry 5.0 concepts, including collaborative robots (COBOTS) and zero-liquid discharge practices. The addition of battery energy storage further integrates green technology into its manufacturing core.

Key Facts at a Glance

• System Capacity: A 1 MWh Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) is now operational.

• Emission Reduction: The system is projected to offset approximately 54 tonnes of $CO_2$ annually.

• Integration: The BESS works in tandem with the facility's existing 20 MWp solar power project.

• Sustainability Goal: Supports the Suzuki Motor Corporation target of a 42% reduction in Scope 1 & 2 emissions by FY 2030-31.

• Project Scope: This is currently a pilot initiative integrated into the plant's internal power network.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the primary purpose of the 1 MWh battery system?

The system stores excess solar energy generated during plant holidays or low-demand periods, allowing the facility to use that stored power later rather than wasting it.

How does this impact the local power grid?

By storing energy and balancing internal loads, the BESS helps improve overall grid stability and reduces the plant's dependence on the external power grid during peak times.

Does this mean the plant is now 100% solar-powered?

The plant utilizes both solar power and green energy procurement to meet its electricity requirements. The BESS improves the utilization rate of the solar energy already being generated.

Is this technology being used at other Maruti Suzuki plants?

The company has identified this specific integration at the Kharkhoda facility as a pilot initiative.

Source: Maruti Suzuki India Limited, ANI News, The Economic Times, Business Standard