• Strategic alliances with
IIT Madras and JNCASR Bengaluru advance next-generation, sustainable energy
storage solutions
• Early-stage research
findings indicate potential for significant technological advancements and
future commercial scalability.
Hindustan
Zinc accelerates research in emerging Zinc Battery Technology
Hindustan Zinc Limited,
India’s only and the world’s largest integrated zinc producer, sees early
breakthrough in the research of next-generation zinc-based battery
technologies. The research targets delivering higher energy efficiency,
improved safety and longer operational life. The company is pioneering emerging
zinc battery technology to support the ongoing clean energy transition.
Zinc has emerged as a
powerful alternative to lithium owing to its abundance, stability and cost
effectiveness. While the lithium market continues to face supply constraints
and rising costs, zinc-based systems present a more economical, and geopolitically
secure pathway for India’s energy ambitions. Zinc-based batteries are
increasingly recognized for their superior safety (non-flammable), long cycle
life, wide temperature operability, and recyclability. They deliver dependable
backup power for 3 to 72 hours, utilize non-hazardous raw materials and have a
greenhouse gas (GHG) footprint nearly six times lower than conventional
technologies. The proven use of zinc-based materials in high-demand sectors
such as aerospace, marine, renewable energy, data centers, 5G network and
mission-critical infrastructure further reinforces their reliability and
adaptability.
Towards this end, Hindustan
Zinc has collaborated with the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Madras and
the Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR),
Bengaluru to develop sustainable energy storage solutions. Early-stage research
findings indicate potential for significant technological advancements and
future commercial scalability. The world is witnessing a rapid evolution in the
battery industry and zinc-based batteries have the potential to transform the
sustainable energy storage solutions market.
Under the MoU signed with
JNCASR in August 2024, Hindustan Zinc is advancing the development of Zinc-Ion
batteries. Commenting on the development Prof. Prem Senguttuvan, said, “The
team is focusing on novel zinc anode formulations, coupled with advanced
electrolytes. We have made noteworthy progress in electrode/electrolyte
interface engineering, which is very encouraging”.
Complementing this, a
second collaboration with IIT Madras, formalized in October 2024, is targeting
the design of a 1 kWh rechargeable Zinc-Air battery module using a 6/12-cell
stack. The project, led by Professor Aravind Kumar Chandiran from the Department
of Chemical Engineering, prioritizes rechargeability, structural integrity,
interface durability and overall battery longevity. Speaking on the
development, Prof. Chandiran, highlighted, “These batteries are an emerging
solution for electric vehicles, grid-scale energy storage and consumer
electronics”.
According to a recent
BloombergNEF report, the global energy storage market is projected to expand at
a 21% CAGR, reaching 442 GWh by 2030. Hindustan Zinc’s ongoing innovation
efforts are well-aligned to meet this growing demand while enhancing India’s
energy independence.
Commenting on the
development, Mr. Arun Misra, CEO -
Hindustan Zinc Limited, said “The battery segment is primed for innovation
as the world shifts towards long-lasting and environmentally friendly energy
sources. We at Hindustan Zinc, are poised to play a key role in supporting this
transition through the production of critical metals like zinc. Our
collaborations with two of India’s premier research institutes reflect our
commitment to advancing cutting-edge innovations that can redefine the future
of energy storage. Batteries have the potential to accelerate this shift
through energy storage and we aim to drive responsible innovation and long-term
impact across the value chain.”
Hindustan Zinc is
leveraging its metallurgical expertise and advanced electrowinning capabilities
to drive innovation. The company is also utilizing proficiency with critical
materials including commercial-grade electrodes and performance additives to advance
the battery revolution. Hindustan Zinc is playing a catalytic role in scaling
these technologies for industrial-scale production. The company has also signed
a MoU with a leading US-based battery manufacturer AEsir Technologies for
cutting-edge nickel-zinc battery technology. By providing technical inputs,
specialized commercial alloys and industry linkages, Hindustan Zinc is
fast-tracking the journey from laboratory success to real-world deployment.
Hindustan Zinc Limited, a
Vedanta Group company, is the world’s largest integrated zinc producer and the
third-largest silver producer. The company supplies to more than 40 countries
and holds a market share of about 75% of the primary zinc market in India.
Hindustan Zinc has been recognized as the world’s most sustainable company in
the metals and mining category for the second consecutive year by the S&P
Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment 2024. The company also launched
EcoZen Asia's first low carbon 'green' zinc brand, produced using renewable energy.
As a world leader in the metals and mining industry, Hindustan Zinc is pivotal
in providing critical metals essential for the global energy transition for a
sustainable future.
