Hindustan Zinc Limited and the Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR) have developed zinc-ion battery pouch cell prototypes suitable for large-scale renewable energy storage. The prototypes, tested under conditions that mimic solar capture and release, have shown stability and reliability. The collaboration aims to improve energy density and cycle life for longer-duration applications.

Zinc-ion batteries are promising for stationary storage because zinc is abundant and low cost. The team is developing low-cost electrolyte formulations and optimising electrode materials to improve stability and extend cycle life. While current metrics trail lithium-ion technology, zinc-ion systems offer superior safety owing to non-flammable aqueous electrolytes and lower material costs.

JNCASR researchers supported by Hindustan Zinc built and evaluated pouch cell prototypes and plan further refinements for higher energy storage. Hindustan Zinc presented the work as part of its strategy to leverage domestic zinc resources for the clean energy transition and to strengthen industry–academia research. The programme is intended to enable safer and more self-reliant energy storage solutions in India.

Hindustan Zinc is the world's largest integrated zinc producer and among the top five silver producers, supplying to more than 40 countries and holding about 77 per cent of India's primary zinc market. The company noted recognition as the most sustainable firm in metals and mining for three consecutive years by the S&P Global assessment and highlighted EcoZen, its low carbon green zinc brand, with a carbon footprint of less than one tonne (t) of carbon equivalent per tonne (t) of zinc, about 75 per cent lower than the global average. The company said its initiatives reach two point three million people and reaffirmed an ambition to achieve Net Zero emissions by 2050 or sooner.