Hindustan Zinc Limited, the world’s largest integrated zinc producer and among the top five silver producers globally, has collaborated with the Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR) to develop stable zinc-ion battery pouch cell prototypes for large-scale renewable energy storage. The development marks a key milestone in India’s indigenous energy storage research.

Zinc-ion batteries are gaining attention for stationary energy storage owing to the abundance, low cost and wide availability of zinc. However, challenges remain in optimising electrode and electrolyte materials to improve cycle life and energy density. The Hindustan Zinc–JNCASR collaboration is addressing these issues through low-cost electrolyte formulations and stable battery prototypes designed for large-scale deployment.

Under the partnership, JNCASR researchers, supported by Hindustan Zinc, have developed improved electrolyte formulations that enhance battery stability and enable longer cycle life. The zinc-ion battery pouch cell prototypes have been tested under realistic conditions, including solar energy capture and release profiles, demonstrating their suitability for renewable energy applications.

Highlighting the importance of the initiative, Arun Misra, CEO and Whole Time Director, Hindustan Zinc Limited, said: “Zinc-ion battery technology represents an important opportunity to leverage India’s abundant zinc resources for the energy transition. Our partnership with the Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research reflects our commitment to enabling safe, cost-effective, and scalable energy storage solutions that can support the growing integration of renewable energy.”

While zinc-ion batteries currently offer lower performance metrics than lithium-ion alternatives, they provide key advantages such as enhanced safety, lower material costs and non-flammable aqueous electrolytes, making them well suited for large-scale and long-duration energy storage.

Prem Senguttuvan, Associate Professor at the Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research, said, “Zinc batteries hold immense promise for sustainable and secure energy storage. This partnership with Hindustan Zinc underscores JNCASR’s commitment to impactful industry–academia collaborations. It will strengthen indigenous research capabilities and contribute to building reliable, India-centric solutions for the clean energy transition.”

Hindustan Zinc continues to focus on advancing sustainable energy solutions, leveraging zinc’s critical role across industries including steel, renewable energy, battery storage, electrical and electronic components, and mobility. Through next-generation zinc materials and its partnership with JNCASR, the company is working towards a safer, greener and more self-reliant energy future for India.