Partnership aims to revolutionize energy storage and reduce reliance on lithium-ion batteries.
In a significant step towards advancing sustainable energy solutions, Hindustan Zinc Limited (HZL), India’s largest and the world’s second-largest integrated zinc producer, has partnered with Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR), a premier research institution. The collaboration aims to develop innovative zinc-based battery technologies.
The partnership marks a pivotal moment in the evolution of battery technology, leveraging zinc’s abundance, cost-effectiveness, and sustainability. While lithium-ion batteries currently dominate the market, zinc offers a promising alternative due to its lower cost, wider availability, and improved safety.
Zinc-based batteries have a long history of use in various applications, including primary batteries and more recent rechargeable versions. Their potential for long-duration storage, durability, and safety make them attractive for sectors like renewable energy, defense, and critical infrastructure.
The collaboration between HZL and JNCASR will focus on developing new zinc alloys for use as anodes in zinc-ion and zinc-air batteries, designing innovative electrolytes, and exploring recycling processes for zinc-based batteries. This research could lead to significant advancements in battery performance and cost-effectiveness.
Arun Misra, CEO of Hindustan Zinc, emphasized the importance of zinc in the transition to a low-carbon future. “Zinc is a safe, stable, and sustainable alternative to lithium in the energy storage segment,” he said. “This collaboration demonstrates our commitment to advancing new applications of zinc and contributing to a greener future.”
Prof. Premkumar Senguttuvan, a renowned materials scientist at JNCASR, will lead the research team. His expertise in battery technology and materials science will be instrumental in developing innovative zinc-based solutions.
The partnership between HZL and JNCASR aligns with the growing global demand for sustainable energy storage solutions. As the world transitions to renewable energy sources, the need for efficient and reliable batteries will become increasingly critical. This collaboration has the potential to make a significant contribution to this global effort.