Hindalco Industries to build battery foil manufacturing facility in Odisha
Hindalco Industries, the world’s largest aluminium rolling and recycling company, is making a monumental stride in serving the burgeoning electric vehicle (EV) and energy storage markets. The company has announced an Rs.800 crore investment to construct a new plant near Sambalpur in Odisha. This facility is set to produce 25,000 tonnes of high-quality aluminium foil, essential for rechargeable batteries in EVs and energy storage systems.
Addressing the Soaring Demand for Battery-Grade Aluminium Foil:
By 2030, the demand for battery-grade aluminium foil in India is projected to skyrocket to 40,000 tonnes. This surge is primarily fueled by the rapid expansion of gigafactories dedicated to advanced cell manufacturing. Hindalco’s investment is a direct response to this burgeoning market need.
Visionary Leadership and Localization of Raw Materials:
Satish Pai, Managing Director of Hindalco Industries, emphasized the significant traction in battery materials demand driven by the booming Electric Vehicle and Grid Storage sectors. He underlined the criticality of raw material localization in strategic sectors and Hindalco’s commitment to contributing to ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ (Self-reliant India). The investment in the new battery foil mill is a major step in this direction.
Hindalco Industries Invests in Future with Major Expansion in EV Battery Foil Production
Technology Breakthrough and International Reach:
Hindalco has already achieved a technology breakthrough in manufacturing fine-quality battery foils at its Mouda unit in Maharashtra. The new unit in Odisha will further strengthen the company’s capacity to supply material to Gigafactories worldwide.
The Role of High-Performance Aluminium Foils:
Cell makers use high-performance aluminium foils as a current collector for cathode materials. Leveraging its extensive experience in metallurgy and access to its aluminium metal, Hindalco is developing these foils to enhance mechanical strength, optimize thickness, and improve surface characteristics. The company is also working on new coatings that will elevate performance by delivering better adhesion and reduced resistance.
Green Initiatives and Sustainable Growth:
This project aligns with the government’s green initiatives to reduce carbon emissions and foster sustainable growth. The factory, located alongside a 25 MW solar power plant, is scheduled for commissioning in July 2025. It complements Hindalco’s existing facility in Maharashtra, further cementing the company’s transformation from a metal manufacturer to a high-tech metal solutions provider.