Maruti Suzuki announced the commissioning of a 1 MWh battery energy storage system (BESS) at its Harkoda manufacturing facility in Haryana as part of its efforts to increase renewable energy utilization and reduce emissions. The system complements a 20 MWp solar power plant to be installed at the site in 2025 and has been introduced as a pilot project connected to the site’s internal distribution grid.Battery storage systems are designed to capture surplus solar energy generated during factory holidays or periods of low power demand and provide it back when needed. Maruti Suzuki said that in addition to reducing wastage of renewable energy, BESS will also support grid stability within the facility. Simply put, the system functions like a large rechargeable battery. Rather than letting excess power from solar farms sit idle when manufacturing activity stops, it stores that energy and releases it during periods of higher demand.
According to the company, the BESS has an expected service life of approximately 15 years. By increasing the use of solar power generation at the Harhoda plant, it is expected to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by nearly 54 tons per year. The automaker also said it remains committed to reducing Scope 1 and 2 emissions even as production increases. The focus remains on reducing the carbon intensity and overall emissions of manufacturing operations.Maruti Suzuki’s environmental roadmap is in line with that of its parent company, Suzuki Motor CorporationAn intermediate target has been set to reduce scope 1 and scope 2 CO2 emissions by 42% by the financial year 2030-31 compared with the financial year 2022-23. Although the battery storage system will not directly impact the vehicles produced at the factory, it is expected to increase the efficiency of renewable energy use as Halhoda’s production increases. The project marks another step towards making Maruti Suzuki’s manufacturing operations more sustainable.Announcing the initiative, Hisashi Takeuchi, Managing Director and CEO, Maruti Suzuki India Ltd. said, “Maruti Suzuki is highly aligned with India’s commitment to building a self-reliant energy ecosystem. The introduction of a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) at our Halhoda facility is part of these ongoing efforts. The BESS has a life cycle of approximately 15 years and will help reduce nearly 54 tons of carbon dioxide emissions per year. He added: “Going forward, our production will increase from current levels. Nonetheless, we remain committed to reducing Scope 1 and 2 emissions, not only in terms of CO2 intensity but also in terms of absolute CO2 emissions from manufacturing. Our approach is in line with the environmental vision of our parent company, Suzuki Motor Corporation, which has set medium-term targets to reduce Scope 11 by 20% by FY2030-31 and 20% by FY20.” 20% 20% FY 20-31 will reduce the scope by 20% 20% FY 2012-31 will 20% 20% 20% FY 2022-23.
