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The Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR) and Hindustan Zinc Limited (HZL) have announced a collaboration aimed at scaling up indigenous zinc-ion battery technologies. The two organisations signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to develop new variants of zinc materials and drive the commercialisation of zinc-based batteries.
Zinc-ion batteries, heralded as India’s cost-effective alternative to lithium-ion batteries, offer promising prospects for large-scale energy storage due to their affordability and abundant raw materials. These batteries are recognised for their safety and performance, with recent advancements improving their stability, reliability, and efficiency across various temperature ranges. By modifying the electrode, electrolyte, and interfaces, zinc-ion batteries have the potential to surpass existing lithium-based options in performance.
The commercialisation of zinc-ion batteries faces challenges, primarily related to the stability of zinc in water-based solutions. To address these issues, the partnership between JNCASR and HZL aims to innovate and enhance zinc-based materials.
Professor Premkumar Senguttuvan’s research group at JNCASR has made significant strides in this field, thanks to a state-of-the-art battery characterisation facility funded by the Department of Science and Technology (DST). Their research has attracted industry interest, including that of Hindustan Zinc.
The MoU will leverage JNCASR’s research expertise and HZL’s product innovation capabilities to explore new zinc alloys for use as anodes and electrolytes in rechargeable batteries. Prof. Senguttuvan’s team plans to refine these materials from the atomic and molecular level up to device implementation, addressing current material issues and enhancing battery life and safety. The collaboration will also focus on demonstrating scalable Zn-ion pouch batteries, poised for commercial application.
Through this partnership, Hindustan Zinc aims to lead the battery revolution, supporting the global energy transition. The research aligns with two key Sustainable Development Goals: SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) and SDG 13 (Climate Action), focusing on providing sustainable energy solutions and combating climate change. This initiative marks a pivotal step forward in the evolution of battery technologies, promising significant advancements in the energy storage sector.
In addition to advancements in battery innovation, India is also making strides in sustainable smart technology with the introduction of a new 2KW DC Portable Charger developed by the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT-Madras).
This innovative charger, supported by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), is designed to boost the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) and reduce dependency on imported charging solutions. With an efficiency exceeding 95%, the charger operates reliably in high temperatures and includes safety features such as overload and over-voltage protection.
The charger’s design supports customisable power output settings and features IoT integration for real-time tracking, enhancing its adaptability for various EV manufacturers. This initiative aligns with India’s vision of transitioning from an importing to an exporting nation under the ‘Make in India’ campaign, fostering domestic innovation and contributing to the goal of ‘Aatma Nirbhar Bharat’ (Self-reliant India). The development reflects a broader strategy to support the growth of the EV sector and strengthen the domestic manufacturing ecosystem.
India aims to significantly increase its EV market share, with projections indicating a rise from US$ 3.21 billion in 2022 to US$ 113.99 billion by 2029. The country surpassed one million EV sales this year in under nine months, a notable improvement over the previous year.
The advancement of technologies such as the new portable charger and the development of indigenous Zn-ion battery systems are set to significantly propel India’s progress towards its sustainability goals.
These innovations not only support the country’s ambitious targets for electric vehicle adoption but also strengthen India’s role in the global sustainable technology arena. By fostering advancements in both energy storage and EV infrastructure, India is reinforcing its commitment to becoming a leader in smart and sustainable technology solutions.
