Hindustan Zinc has formed a partnership with the Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR) to advance zinc-based battery technologies. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signifies a major step forward in energy storage solutions, harnessing the benefits of zinc, such as its abundance, affordability, and sustainability. 

The collaboration seeks to explore new zinc materials and accelerate the commercialization of zinc-based batteries. Arun Misra, CEO of Hindustan Zinc, underscored the role of zinc in creating a low-carbon future. “Zinc represents a safe, stable, and sustainable alternative to lithium in energy storage”, Misra said. As the largest integrated zinc producer in India and the second-largest globally, Hindustan Zinc is dedicated to supporting the transition to alternative energy by innovating new uses for zinc in batteries.

While lithium-ion batteries are currently dominant, they face issues related to their availability, the concentration of mineral processing, and safety risks due to potential combustion. Zinc-based batteries, which are over four times less expensive than lithium ones, offer advantages such as longer storage duration, cost efficiency, durability, and a strong safety record. These batteries have maintained a significant presence in both domestic and international markets.

Prof. Sreenivas K R, Dean of Research and Development at JNCASR, highlighted the advantages of zinc: “Its wide availability, minimal environmental impact, cost-effectiveness, and safety make it a crucial element in advancing sustainable energy technologies”.

The partnership will focus on developing zinc alloys for use in zinc-ion and zinc-air batteries, creating high-performance electrolytes for these alloys, and designing methods for recycling zinc-based batteries. This effort aims to push the boundaries of energy storage technology and significantly contribute to the advancement of clean energy solutions.