In this golden age of batteries, fueled by global warming and imperativeness to move away from fossil fuels, competing chemistries are vying to become the storage solution of choice to efficiently harness renewable energy. This motivates development of optimized energy storage solution (ESS) which can effectively balance performance and cost. In this context, AGM-VRLA batteries, if suitably developed, can offer itself for widespread adoption for ESS. The expectations from this battery has been outlined by Consortium for Battery Innovation (CBI): 4500 cycles at 80% depth-of-discharge (DOD), energy storage efficiency of 80-90%, energy-density of 110Wh/l and acquisition cost of $325/kWh. Towards this end, we have developed a AGM-VRLA battery especially suited for tropical Indian climatic conditions. Subjecting to accelerated high temperature tests and low-rate partial-state-of-charge (LRPSoC) cycling, the product demonstrated significant improvement over conventional battery. This was made possible through a combination of FEA-based grid design optimization, specially formulated grid-active material interface and improved retention of element compression in cycling. Durability of the product was also demonstrated in an in-house containerised installation of 600V battery system catering to daily energy shifting operation. Further work is in progress on extending cycle life and improving efficiency to match the stated CBI targets. This advanced PbA technology will provide EOL recycling advantage in terms of ease of availability against competing technologies and hence a more definitive green environment.