Hindustan Zinc Advances Research in Zinc Battery Technology

Hindustan Zinc Limited reported early progress in its research on zinc-based battery technologies. The company has established partnerships with the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras and the Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR) Bengaluru to develop these energy storage solutions.

According to the company, zinc has potential as an alternative to lithium due to its abundance, stability, and cost-effectiveness. Initial research findings suggest possibilities for technological advancements and future commercial applications.

"The battery segment is evolving as demand increases for long-lasting and environmentally friendly energy sources," said Arun Misra, CEO of Hindustan Zinc Limited. "We are positioned to support this transition through the production of critical metals like zinc."

Under an agreement signed with JNCASR in August 2024, the company is working on Zinc-Ion batteries. Professor Prem Senguttuvan from JNCASR noted that the team is focusing on zinc anode formulations and advanced electrolytes, with progress in electrode/electrolyte interface engineering.

A separate collaboration with IIT Madras, established in October 2024, aims to design a 1 kWh rechargeable Zinc-Air battery module. Professor Aravind Kumar Chandiran from IIT Madras indicated these batteries could be applied in electric vehicles, grid-scale energy storage, and consumer electronics.

Hindustan Zinc cites several advantages of zinc-based batteries, including improved safety due to non-flammable components, long cycle life, wide temperature operability, and recyclability. The company states these batteries can provide backup power for 3 to 72 hours and have a greenhouse gas footprint approximately six times lower than conventional technologies.

The company has also signed an agreement with U.S.-based AEsir Technologies for nickel-zinc battery technology development.

Bloomberg NEF forecasts the global energy storage market to grow at a 21% compound annual growth rate, reaching 442 GWh by 2030.

Hindustan Zinc Limited, a Vedanta Group company, is an integrated zinc producer supplying to over 40 countries. The company holds approximately 75% market share of India's primary zinc market and was recognized in the S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment 2024 for its sustainability practices.

The company recently launched EcoZen, which it describes as Asia's first low-carbon zinc brand produced using renewable energy, with a carbon footprint reportedly 75% lower than the global average.