Going green! Maruti Suzuki's 5MW solar power plant at Gurugram facility - What automaker is doing to meet its energy needs

At a time when 'save the environment to save life' has become an important phrase, auto maker Maruti Suzuki has taken an important step to harness solar power to meet its energy needs. Maruti Suzuki is all set to commission 5 MW Photovoltaic Solar Power Plant at its Gurugram facility. The automotive giant recently laid the foundation stone for a 5 MW Solar Power plant at the Gurugram facility. The captive Solar Power plant is expected to be commissioned in FY 2019-20, says Maruti Suzuki.

5 MW Photovoltaic Solar Power Plant at Gurugram Facility: Key details

- Maruti Suzuki will invest around Rs 240 million, and will offset CO2 emissions to the tune of over 5390 tonnes annually, for the next 25 years. 
- This is the second grid based Solar Power plant for Maruti Suzuki.
- "As a unique feature the photovoltaic solar panels of this carport style solar power plant will work as a roof at the new car parking area. While the solar panels generate clean energy, the cars parked underneath will be safe from strong climatic conditions," according to a statement issued by Maruti Suzuki.

The 1st Solar Power plant was set up in 2014 at Manesar, with 1 MW capacity. In 2018, this solar power plant was further expanded to 1.3 MW. - The power generated from the solar power plant will be synchronised with the captive power plant to cater to the internal energy needs of the Gurugram facility.

Commenting on the commissioning of 5 MW Photovoltaic Solar Power Plant at Gurugram facility, Kenichi Ayukawa, MD & CEO, Maruti Suzuki India Limited, said, “Through this solar power plant facility we will harness renewable energy for our business needs over next 25 years. Maruti Suzuki is committed to expand its environment care initiatives in products, in manufacturing processes and in business operations.”  Ayukawa further added, "Solar energy is abundant, versatile and efficient. This Solar Power initiative is in line with the Company’s philosophy to adopt environment-friendly technologies and lower CO2 emissions."