Vikram Solar Appoints Arun Mittal as CEO of VSL Powerhive, Strengthens Push Into Advanced Energy Storage

Vikram Solar, the Kolkata-headquartered solar module manufacturer, has announced the appointment of Arun Mittal as the new chief executive officer of VSL Powerhive, the company’s dedicated energy-storage solutions division. Mittal previously served as Managing Director and CEO (India) at Lohum Cleantech.

The appointment comes at a time when battery energy storage systems (BESS) are increasingly critical for grid stability, peak-load management, and enabling round-the-clock renewable energy. Through VSL Powerhive, Vikram Solar aims to position itself as a fully integrated clean-energy solutions provider.

As part of its long-term strategy, the company plans to establish a 1 GWh solid-state cell and battery manufacturing facility, equipped with proprietary battery management system (BMS) technology. The plant is designed for future expansion to 5 GWh to meet rising global demand.

In addition, Vikram Solar recently commissioned a 5 GW solar module facility, doubling its capacity to 9.5 GW. The company is now advancing the next phase of its expansion, with 6 GW of additional module capacity under development. Once complete, its total module manufacturing capacity will reach 15.5 GW, supported by a new 12 GW solar cell facility slated for commissioning in FY27.

Gyanesh Chaudhary, Chairman & Managing Director of Vikram Solar, stated that energy storage is becoming the backbone of the global clean-energy transition and emphasized that Mittal’s leadership will accelerate the company’s efforts to build world-class battery capabilities.

Mittal brings over 30 years of experience spanning battery manufacturing, energy-storage system design, and strategic transformation. His tenure at Lohum Cleantech included strengthening India operations and advancing circular-economy models for battery recycling. Prior to that, he served as Managing Director & CEO of Exide Energy Solutions Ltd, where he was instrumental in shaping Exide’s lithium-ion mobility storage roadmap.

Commenting on his new role, Mittal noted that energy systems are becoming increasingly decentralized and storage-centric, adding that VSL Powerhive will focus on developing scalable solutions to support India’s energy-transition commitments.