The country’s largest carmaker Maruti Suzuki Wednesday said it has commissioned a 1 MWh Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) at its Kharkhoda manufacturing facility, marking the company’s latest step in strengthening its green energy ecosystem.

The move builds on the 20 MWp solar power project the automaker installed at Kharkhoda in 2025. While the solar plant continues generating electricity even during facility holidays, that power previously went unused due to lack of demand on those days. The newly installed BESS will store the surplus electricity generated during low-demand periods and release it when needed, while also helping stabilize the local grid.

As a pilot initiative, the system has been integrated into the facility’s internal electricity distribution network.

Hisashi Takeuchi, Managing Director & CEO of 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.”

Takeuchi also addressed the company’s broader emissions strategy amid growing production. “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 emission in manufacturing,” he said.

“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.”

The Kharkhoda BESS pilot, the company said, underscores Maruti Suzuki’s continued investment in renewable infrastructure as it works to align manufacturing growth with its long-term sustainability commitments.