New Delhi: Maruti Suzuki India Ltd has announced plans to invest over Rs 925 crore to expand its captive solar power capacity to 319 megawatt peak (MWp) by the financial year 2030-31, as part of a broader strategy to decarbonise its manufacturing operations.
Maruti Suzuki’s decision comes as it increases its total vehicle production capacity in India from 2.35 million to 2.6 million units annually, with the addition of its new Kharkhoda plant in Haryana. In the past year, Maruti Suzuki installed two new solar projects, 20MWp at Kharkhoda and 10MWp at Manesar, taking its total installed solar power capacity from 49MWp to 79MWp.
The investments are being aligned with Suzuki Motor Corporation’s Environment Vision 2050 and India’s broader target of reaching 500 GW of non-fossil fuel energy capacity by 2030.
Long-Term Target: 85 per cent Renewable Power Share
According to Maruti Suzuki’s CEO, Hisashi Takeuchi, the automaker is targeting to meet nearly 85 per cent of its electricity needs from renewable sources by FY31. The expansion is expected to reduce the company’s reliance on grid-based power, which is still largely fossil fuel-based in many Indian states.
Besides solar installations within its own facilities, the company is also increasing the share of green electricity it sources from state electricity boards.
Aligned with National Clean Energy Goals
Maruti Suzuki’s renewable energy strategy reflects a wider trend among Indian manufacturers looking to align with national and international climate targets. India has committed to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2070 and is actively encouraging industries to transition to cleaner energy sources through both policy incentives and public-private collaborations.
Focus on Captive Use over Offsite Procurement
Unlike some corporations opting for power purchase agreements with third-party providers, Maruti Suzuki is focusing on increasing its captive renewable energy generation. This approach allows greater control over energy costs and supply reliability, particularly as industrial power demand increases in sync with production growth.
