Hindustan Zinc, JNCASR Develop Zinc-Ion Battery Prototypes for Large-Scale Energy Storage
Hindustan Zinc, in collaboration with Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR), has developed zinc-ion battery pouch cell prototypes using low-cost electrolytes for large-scale renewable energy storage. The prototypes have been evaluated under realistic testing conditions, such as solar energy capture and release profiles.
February 07, 2026. By Mrinmoy Dey
Zinc-ion batteries are emerging as strong candidates for stationary energy storage due to the abundance, low cost, and wide availability of zinc resources. While optimising electrode and electrolyte materials to achieve longer cycle life and higher energy density remains a key challenge, the collaboration between Hindustan Zinc and JNCASR is addressing this by developing low-cost electrolyte formulations and stable zinc-ion battery prototypes suitable for large-scale deployment, the company stated.
Through this collaboration, JNCASR researchers, supported by Hindustan Zinc, are developing low-cost electrolyte formulations and building zinc-ion battery pouch cell prototypes. The newly formulated electrolytes improve stability and enable longer cycle life. The prototypes have been evaluated under realistic testing conditions, such as solar energy capture and release profiles, demonstrating their suitability for renewable energy applications, it said.
Highlighting the significance of the ongoing work, Arun Misra, CEO and Whole Time Director, Hindustan Zinc, said, “Zinc-ion battery technology represents an important opportunity to leverage India's abundant zinc resources for the energy transition. Our partnership with the Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research reflects our commitment to enabling safe, cost-effective, and scalable energy storage solutions that can support the growing integration of renewable energy.”
While zinc-ion batteries currently have lower performance metrics than lithium-ion batteries, they offer distinct advantages, including exceptional safety, lower material costs, and non-flammable aqueous electrolytes, key attributes for large-scale and long-duration deployment.
Dr. Prem Senguttuvan, Associate Professor at the Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research, remarked, “Zinc batteries hold immense promise for sustainable and secure energy storage. This partnership with Hindustan Zinc underscores JNCASR's commitment to impactful industry-academia collaborations. It will strengthen indigenous research capabilities and contribute to building reliable, India-centric solutions for the clean energy transition.”
Hindustan Zinc aims to accelerate the shift toward sustainable energy solutions, as zinc plays a critical role across industries such as steel, renewable energy, battery storage, electrical and electronic components, and mobility. Through the development of next-generation zinc materials, and in partnership with JNCASR, the company is laying the foundation for a safer, greener, and more self-reliant energy future for India, it said.
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