Strategic Alignment and Sustainability Vision

The implementation of the BESS reinforces Indian Hotels Company Limited’s (IHCL) commitment to decarbonisation under its Paathya sustainability framework, aligned with the Tata Group’s Aalingana vision. With an approximate storage capacity of 2 MW, the system plays a critical role in advancing clean energy adoption, energy resilience, and long-term environmental stewardship in luxury hospitality operations.

Commenting on the project, Ranjit Phillipose, Senior Vice President – Operations, IHCL Goa, highlighted that the BESS initiative represents a defining milestone in the organisation’s sustainability journey. The project demonstrates how advanced energy technologies can reduce dependence on fossil fuels while setting new benchmarks for responsible luxury and climate-conscious hospitality.

Project Execution and Investment

The BESS installation was executed by Tata Power following comprehensive technical feasibility assessments. The total project investment amounted to approximately ₹3.50 crore, with projected annual cost savings of nearly ₹1.50 crore. The system significantly reduces reliance on diesel-based power generation, delivering both economic and environmental benefits.

The initiative is expected to reduce annual consumption of high-speed diesel by approximately two lakh litres, resulting in a substantial reduction in carbon emissions and operating costs. In addition to fuel savings, the BESS improves power quality, minimises generator runtime, and reduces air emissions, contributing to a cleaner and more efficient energy ecosystem.

Energy Infrastructure and System Design

Taj Exotica operates within a complex multi-source power environment comprising grid power, diesel generators, and solar energy. To support this configuration, a sophisticated interlocking and protection system was developed in partnership with Tata Power. Key features include automated source prioritisation, backfeed and overload prevention mechanisms, real-time monitoring, safety cut-offs, and comprehensive thermal, short-circuit, and surge protection systems.

The physical installation was completed in mid-November 2025, followed by extensive full-load testing. The system demonstrated stable discharge characteristics, accurate switching, and seamless integration across all power sources. Comprehensive safety simulations and load-bank testing were conducted to ensure uninterrupted electrical stability and guest comfort.

Engineering Leadership and System Reliability

Under the leadership of Area Director – Engineering, Goa, Athen Chellappa, the engineering team conducted detailed simulations of multiple power outage scenarios. These simulations validated automatic diesel generator synchronisation, priority-based charging from solar and grid sources, interlocking accuracy, changeover timing, and cloud connectivity essential for system operations during high-occupancy and peak-load conditions.

The BESS is supported by an interactive digital dashboard providing real-time visibility into energy flows, charging and discharging status, battery health diagnostics, predictive maintenance alerts, and detailed historical reports on energy consumption and cost savings. This enables data-driven decision-making and proactive asset management.

Through this strategic collaboration with Tata Power, Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, Goa has established a new benchmark in sustainable energy management for the hospitality sector. The project demonstrates how innovation, operational excellence, and sustainability leadership can be integrated to create long-term value while advancing India’s clean energy transition.