Hindustan Zinc Partners JNCASR to Pioneer Zinc-Based Battery Innovations

Hindustan Zinc Limited, a zinc producer in India, has entered into a strategic partnership with the Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR), an institute supported by the Department of Science and Technology, Government of India.

The collaboration, formalised through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), aims to accelerate the development and commercialization of zinc-based battery technologies, particularly focusing on new zinc material variants.

The partnership will concentrate on several key areas of research and development, including the use of zinc alloys as anodes in Zinc-Ion and Zinc-Air batteries, the formulation of electrolytes for high-performance zinc alloy anodes, and the creation of chemical processes for recycling zinc metal-based batteries. The ultimate goal is to position zinc as a sustainable alternative to lithium in the energy storage industry.

Speaking at the MoU signing ceremony, Arun Misra, CEO of Hindustan Zinc Limited, emphasised the importance of zinc in the global transition to a low-carbon future. 

“Zinc is integral to a low-carbon future and it presents itself as a safe, stable, and sustainable alternative to lithium in the energy storage segment. At Hindustan Zinc, our climate action initiatives are focused on aiding the ongoing global energy transition by advancing and exploring new applications of zinc in batteries,” Misra stated.

The collaboration comes at a time when the energy storage market is dominated by lithium-ion batteries, which, despite their widespread use, face several challenges. These include the limited availability of lithium, the geographic concentration of mineral processing, and safety concerns related to combustion. 

Zinc-based batteries are gaining recognition as a viable alternative due to their long-duration storage capabilities, cost-effectiveness, durability, and proven safety record. Common zinc-based battery chemistries include zinc-manganese, zinc-carbon, nickel-zinc, and zinc-air, each offering distinct advantages for various energy storage applications.

Prof. Sreenivas, Dean of R&D at JNCASR, praised the collaboration, highlighting the expertise of Prof. Premkumar Senguttuvan in battery technology. “Prof. Senguttuvan brings extensive expertise in battery technology, with significant experience in lithium, sodium, and zinc-based systems. His research has leveraged the unique benefits of these elements for energy storage applications. Zinc’s widespread availability, minimal environmental impact, cost-effectiveness, and safety characteristics position it as a key player in advancing sustainable energy solutions,” Prof. Sreenivas remarked.

This MoU follows Hindustan Zinc’s recent agreement with AEsir Technologies, Inc., a US-based company specialising in next-generation zinc battery technologies. The focus of that collaboration is on the development of Nickel-Zinc (NiZn) batteries, which are expected to revolutionise energy storage with their high power output, cost efficiency, and extended lifespan.