Hindustan Zinc Accelerates Innovation in Zinc-Based Battery Technologies
Hindustan Zinc has reported early breakthroughs in the development of next-generation zinc-based battery technologies. The company is targeting the design of a 1 kWh rechargeable Zinc-Air battery module using a 6/12-cell stack in collaboration with IIT Madras and advancing the development of Zinc-Ion batteries in collaboration with JNCASR, Bengaluru.
May 08, 2025. By News Bureau
Zinc batteries have an edge over lithium batteries and are being seen as an alternative to lithium batteries. As compared to lithium which is facing supply constraints and rising costs, zinc-based systems present a more economical, and geopolitically secure pathway for India’s energy ambitions. Besides zinc is found in abundance, the company said in a statement.
Zinc-based batteries are increasingly recognised for their superior safety (non-flammable), long cycle life, wide temperature operability, and recyclability. They deliver dependable backup power for 3 to 72 hours, utilise non-hazardous raw materials and have a greenhouse gas (GHG) footprint nearly six times lower than conventional technologies.
In order to advance its research in zinc batteries, last year, Hindustan Zinc signed MoUs 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. The company also collaborated with a leading US-based battery manufacturer AEsir Technologies for cutting-edge nickel-zinc battery technology.
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.”
As part of the collaboration with IIT Madras, formalised in October 2024, the company 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, prioritises 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.”
Commenting on the development, Arun Misra, CEO, Hindustan Zinc Ltd., 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.”
Zinc is largely being used to meet the growing demands in sectors like aerospace, marine, renewable energy, data centres, 5G networks and mission-critical infrastructure further reinforcing their reliability and adaptability.
Hindustan Zinc is leveraging its metallurgical expertise and advanced electrowinning capabilities to drive innovation. The company also utilises proficiency with critical materials, including commercial-grade electrodes and performance additives, to advance the battery revolution.
please contact: contact@energetica-india.net.
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