Hindustan Zinc partners with AEsir Technologies to enhance energy storage solutions

Hindustan Zinc Limited (HZL), India’s largest and the world’s second-largest zinc producer, has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with AEsir Technologies, Inc., a US-based company specializing in next-generation zinc battery technologies. This agreement designates Hindustan Zinc as the preferred supplier of zinc, a crucial raw material for AEsir Technologies’ advanced batteries. Zinc-based batteries offer significant advantages over other modern energy storage solutions, providing higher power at lower costs with minimal maintenance and a lifespan of up to 20 years, making them ideal for large-scale industrial energy storage.

This MoU aligns with Hindustan Zinc’s efforts to explore new applications of zinc in the clean energy transition. Zinc batteries are transforming energy storage due to their corrosion resistance, cost-effectiveness, recyclability, stability, and environmental friendliness. They provide reliable backup power for extended periods (3-72 hours) and are built with non-flammable materials, ensuring greater safety. Zinc batteries are also recyclable, use non-hazardous raw materials, and have a greenhouse gas (GHG) footprint six times lower than other technologies.

AEsir’s Nickel Zinc (NiZn) batteries have demonstrated reliability and success in high-end defense sectors, renewable energy, and critical infrastructure for data centers and 5G telecom. Decades of continuous improvement have enabled AEsir’s NiZn batteries to overcome historical issues like electrolyte dry-out, metal branching (dendrite growth), and zinc migration.

Arun Misra, CEO of Hindustan Zinc Limited, stated, “Zinc is integral to a low-carbon future. At Hindustan Zinc, our focus is to produce metals sustainably for applications that power the ongoing global energy transition. This partnership with AEsir Technologies is yet another step in our ongoing developmental work in the emerging clean technology space. By providing high-quality zinc for cutting-edge energy storage, we are opening sophisticated new avenues for environmentally friendly solutions for a greener tomorrow.”

Randy Moore, CEO & Co-Founder of AEsir Technologies, added, “Energy storage is at the forefront of every major innovation in the energy transition space. Zinc batteries are the best story around energy storage. We are achieving great innovation in this space and this collaboration with Hindustan Zinc provides us with critical raw material for the development of next-gen Nickel Zinc batteries. We are pleased to partner with Hindustan Zinc as we are also focused on the sustainability of our value chain, and they are global leaders in this domain.”

The global energy storage market is experiencing rapid growth, driven by the essential need for sustainable energy storage solutions. According to a recent Bloomberg NEF report, the market is projected to grow annually by 21%, reaching 442 GWh by 2030. This collaboration between Hindustan Zinc and AEsir Technologies underscores Hindustan Zinc’s crucial role in meeting the increasing demand for alternative energy solutions. By supplying critical raw materials for the development of emerging clean technologies, Hindustan Zinc is contributing to a safer, cleaner, and more sustainable future.

The partnership between Hindustan Zinc and AEsir Technologies represents a significant step in the advancement of sustainable energy storage solutions. Zinc’s inherent properties, coupled with cutting-edge battery technology, provide a viable and efficient alternative to traditional energy storage systems. This collaboration highlights the importance of innovative materials in the global shift towards greener energy solutions and underscores Hindustan Zinc’s leadership in this transformative sector.