Hindustan Zinc Accelerates Research in Emerging Zinc Battery Tech
Company News

Hindustan Zinc Accelerates Research in Emerging Zinc Battery Tech

Hindustan Zinc Limited, India’s only and the world’s largest integrated zinc producer, sees early breakthrough in the research of next-generation zinc-based battery technologies. The research targets delivering higher energy efficiency, improved safety and longer operational life. The company is pioneering emerging zinc battery technology to support the ongoing clean energy transition.

Zinc has emerged as a powerful alternative to lithium owing to its abundance, stability and cost effectiveness. While the lithium market continues to face supply constraints and rising costs, zinc-based systems present a more economical, and geopolitically secure pathway for India’s energy ambitions. Zinc-based batteries are increasingly recognised for their superior safety (non-flammable), long cycle life, wide temperature operability, and recyclability. They deliver dependable backup power for 3 to 72 hours, utilize non-hazardous raw materials and have a greenhouse gas (GHG) footprint nearly six times lower than conventional technologies. The proven use of zinc-based materials in high-demand sectors such as aerospace, marine, renewable energy, data centers, 5G network and mission-critical infrastructure further reinforces their reliability and adaptability.

Towards this end, Hindustan Zinc has collaborated with the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Madras and the Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR), Bengaluru to develop sustainable energy storage solutions. Early-stage research findings indicate potential for significant technological advancements and future commercial scalability. The world is witnessing a rapid evolution in the battery industry and zinc-based batteries have the potential to transform the sustainable energy storage solutions market.

Under the MoU signed with JNCASR in August 2024, Hindustan Zinc is advancing the development of Zinc-Ion batteries. Commenting on the development Prof. Prem Senguttuvan, said, “The team is focusing on novel zinc anode formulations, coupled with advanced electrolytes. We have made noteworthy progress in electrode/electrolyte interface engineering, which is very encouraging”.

Complementing this, a second collaboration with IIT Madras, formalised in October 2024, is targeting the design of a 1 kWh rechargeable Zinc-Air battery module using a 6/12-cell stack. The project, led by Professor Aravind Kumar Chandiran from the Department of Chemical Engineering, prioritizes rechargeability, structural integrity, interface durability and overall battery longevity. Speaking on the development, Prof. Chandiran, highlighted, “These batteries are an emerging solution for electric vehicles, grid-scale energy storage and consumer electronics”.

According to a recent BloombergNEF report, the global energy storage market is projected to expand at a 21% CAGR, reaching 442 GWh by 2030. Hindustan Zinc’s ongoing innovation efforts are well-aligned to meet this growing demand while enhancing India’s energy independence.

Arun Misra, CEO - Hindustan Zinc Limited, said “The battery segment is primed for innovation as the world shifts towards long-lasting and environmentally friendly energy sources. We at Hindustan Zinc, are poised to play a key role in supporting this transition through the production of critical metals like zinc. Our collaborations with two of India’s premier research institutes reflect our commitment to advancing cutting-edge innovations that can redefine the future of energy storage. Batteries have the potential to accelerate this shift through energy storage and we aim to drive responsible innovation and long-term impact across the value chain.”

Hindustan Zinc is leveraging its metallurgical expertise and advanced electrowinning capabilities to drive innovation. The company is also utilizing proficiency with critical materials including commercial-grade electrodes and performance additives to advance the battery revolution. Hindustan Zinc is playing a catalytic role in scaling these technologies for industrial-scale production. The company has also signed a MoU with a leading US-based battery manufacturer AEsir Technologies for cutting-edge nickel-zinc battery technology. By providing technical inputs, specialized commercial alloys and industry linkages, Hindustan Zinc is fast-tracking the journey from laboratory success to real-world deployment.

Hindustan Zinc Limited, a Vedanta Group company, is the world’s largest integrated zinc producer and the third-largest silver producer. The company supplies to more than 40 countries and holds a market share of about 75% of the primary zinc market in India. Hindustan Zinc has been recognized as the world’s most sustainable company in the metals and mining category for the second consecutive year by the S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment 2024. The company also launched EcoZen Asia's first low carbon 'green' zinc brand, produced using renewable energy. As a world leader in the metals and mining industry, Hindustan Zinc is pivotal in providing critical metals essential for the global energy transition for a sustainable future.

Hindustan Zinc Limited, India’s only and the world’s largest integrated zinc producer, sees early breakthrough in the research of next-generation zinc-based battery technologies. The research targets delivering higher energy efficiency, improved safety and longer operational life. The company is pioneering emerging zinc battery technology to support the ongoing clean energy transition.Zinc has emerged as a powerful alternative to lithium owing to its abundance, stability and cost effectiveness. While the lithium market continues to face supply constraints and rising costs, zinc-based systems present a more economical, and geopolitically secure pathway for India’s energy ambitions. Zinc-based batteries are increasingly recognised for their superior safety (non-flammable), long cycle life, wide temperature operability, and recyclability. They deliver dependable backup power for 3 to 72 hours, utilize non-hazardous raw materials and have a greenhouse gas (GHG) footprint nearly six times lower than conventional technologies. The proven use of zinc-based materials in high-demand sectors such as aerospace, marine, renewable energy, data centers, 5G network and mission-critical infrastructure further reinforces their reliability and adaptability.Towards this end, Hindustan Zinc has collaborated with the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Madras and the Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR), Bengaluru to develop sustainable energy storage solutions. Early-stage research findings indicate potential for significant technological advancements and future commercial scalability. The world is witnessing a rapid evolution in the battery industry and zinc-based batteries have the potential to transform the sustainable energy storage solutions market.Under the MoU signed with JNCASR in August 2024, Hindustan Zinc is advancing the development of Zinc-Ion batteries. Commenting on the development Prof. Prem Senguttuvan, said, “The team is focusing on novel zinc anode formulations, coupled with advanced electrolytes. We have made noteworthy progress in electrode/electrolyte interface engineering, which is very encouraging”.Complementing this, a second collaboration with IIT Madras, formalised in October 2024, is targeting the design of a 1 kWh rechargeable Zinc-Air battery module using a 6/12-cell stack. The project, led by Professor Aravind Kumar Chandiran from the Department of Chemical Engineering, prioritizes rechargeability, structural integrity, interface durability and overall battery longevity. Speaking on the development, Prof. Chandiran, highlighted, “These batteries are an emerging solution for electric vehicles, grid-scale energy storage and consumer electronics”.According to a recent BloombergNEF report, the global energy storage market is projected to expand at a 21% CAGR, reaching 442 GWh by 2030. Hindustan Zinc’s ongoing innovation efforts are well-aligned to meet this growing demand while enhancing India’s energy independence.Arun Misra, CEO - Hindustan Zinc Limited, said “The battery segment is primed for innovation as the world shifts towards long-lasting and environmentally friendly energy sources. We at Hindustan Zinc, are poised to play a key role in supporting this transition through the production of critical metals like zinc. Our collaborations with two of India’s premier research institutes reflect our commitment to advancing cutting-edge innovations that can redefine the future of energy storage. Batteries have the potential to accelerate this shift through energy storage and we aim to drive responsible innovation and long-term impact across the value chain.”Hindustan Zinc is leveraging its metallurgical expertise and advanced electrowinning capabilities to drive innovation. The company is also utilizing proficiency with critical materials including commercial-grade electrodes and performance additives to advance the battery revolution. Hindustan Zinc is playing a catalytic role in scaling these technologies for industrial-scale production. The company has also signed a MoU with a leading US-based battery manufacturer AEsir Technologies for cutting-edge nickel-zinc battery technology. By providing technical inputs, specialized commercial alloys and industry linkages, Hindustan Zinc is fast-tracking the journey from laboratory success to real-world deployment.Hindustan Zinc Limited, a Vedanta Group company, is the world’s largest integrated zinc producer and the third-largest silver producer. The company supplies to more than 40 countries and holds a market share of about 75% of the primary zinc market in India. Hindustan Zinc has been recognized as the world’s most sustainable company in the metals and mining category for the second consecutive year by the S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment 2024. The company also launched EcoZen Asia's first low carbon 'green' zinc brand, produced using renewable energy. As a world leader in the metals and mining industry, Hindustan Zinc is pivotal in providing critical metals essential for the global energy transition for a sustainable future.

Next Story
Resources

KEC International bags Rs 10.34 billion in new orders

"KEC International Ltd, a global infrastructure EPC major and part of the RPG Group, has secured new orders worth Rs 10.34 billion across its Transmission & Distribution (T&D), Civil, and Cables businesses. In the T&D segment, the company has received its first-ever STATCOM project from a global OEM in India, along with orders for the supply of towers, hardware, and poles in the Americas. The civil business has marked a key milestone by entering the semiconductor space, bagging a contract to establish a semiconductor plant for a major private player. It has also won a repeat order ..

Next Story
Products

Viva launches 3D louvres for next-gen façade design

Viva, Asia’s largest manufacturer of aluminium composite panels (ACP), has introduced its advanced 3D louvres, offering a blend of architectural innovation and practical performance. Designed to enhance the aesthetics and efficiency of building facades, these louvres aim to set a new benchmark for the industry.The newly launched 3D louvres are engineered to add visual depth and dynamic appeal to both residential and commercial structures. Combining durability, ease of installation, and low maintenance, the product is tailored for contemporary design needs.“The 3D louvre range is a natural ..

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

JustDeliveries raises Rs 5.5 crore to expand intracity cold chain network

JustDeliveries, a cold chain logistics startup focused on mid-mile solutions for India’s food and beverage sector, has raised Rs 5.5 crore in a funding round co-led by VC Grid and NABVentures. Other participants included LetsVenture, Anay Ventures, and FAAD Network.This fresh round brings the total capital raised by the startup to US$ 2 million (approximately Rs 15.9 crore). The funds will be used to strengthen its technology platform and expand operations to three more cities, including Lucknow and Chennai. JustDeliveries currently operates in Bangalore, Delhi, Hyderabad, Mumbai, and Pune.F..

Advertisement

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Talk to us?