Major breakthrough: Hindustan Zinc and JNCASR team up to disrupt battery industry

In a transformative development for the energy storage sector, Hindustan Zinc Limited and the Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR) have forged a strategic partnership to advance zinc-based battery technologies. This collaboration is set to bring about a significant shift in energy storage solutions by focusing on the development of affordable, durable, and sustainable zinc-based batteries as viable alternatives to expensive lithium-ion batteries.

Hindustan Zinc Limited, a major player in the global zinc market and India’s largest integrated zinc producer, has teamed up with JNCASR, a leading research institute supported by the Department of Science and Technology, Government of India. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the two entities outlines their commitment to advancing zinc-based battery technologies through cutting-edge research and development.

Zinc-Based Batteries: An Emerging Solution for Energy Storage

Lithium-ion batteries currently dominate the market due to their high energy density and longevity. However, their high costs, safety risks, and supply chain vulnerabilities present significant challenges. Zinc-based batteries offer a promising alternative due to their lower cost, abundant availability, and safety benefits. Unlike lithium, which is expensive and poses safety concerns related to combustion, zinc is more affordable and has a proven track record of safety and reliability.

Zinc-based batteries, including zinc-manganese, zinc-carbon, nickel-zinc, and zinc-air, have long been used in various applications. Recent advancements in rechargeable zinc-based batteries have opened new avenues for innovation, particularly in high-demand sectors like aerospace, marine, renewable energy, and data centers. This collaboration aims to build on these advancements, focusing on Zinc alloys for Zinc Ion and Zinc Air batteries, developing high-performance electrolytes, and creating efficient recycling processes for zinc batteries.

Expanding Research and Development Efforts

Arun Misra, CEO of Hindustan Zinc Limited, highlighted the significance of the collaboration, noting that zinc is crucial for a low-carbon future. Misra emphasized that zinc’s cost-effectiveness and stability make it an ideal candidate for next-generation energy storage solutions. He also pointed out that this partnership aligns with Hindustan Zinc’s broader climate action initiatives, aimed at supporting the global transition to sustainable energy.

Professor Premkumar Senguttuvan, leading the research efforts at JNCASR, brings extensive expertise in battery technologies, including lithium, sodium, and zinc-based systems. Senguttuvan’s team will leverage zinc’s unique benefits to enhance the performance and reliability of zinc-based batteries. JNCASR’s reputation for pioneering research and generating patents will be instrumental in driving this innovation forward.

Professor Sreenivas, Dean of Research and Development at JNCASR, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing zinc’s cost-effectiveness, minimal environmental impact, and safety characteristics. He highlighted that the collaboration with Hindustan Zinc has the potential to significantly advance sustainable energy solutions and contribute to a more resilient energy future.

Market Trends and Future Outlook

The global battery market is rapidly evolving, with an increasing emphasis on sustainable energy storage solutions. According to a recent Bloomberg NEF report, the global energy storage market is projected to grow at an annual rate of 21%, reaching 442 GWh by 2030. This growth underscores the need for innovative energy storage technologies that are both cost-effective and environmentally friendly.

The partnership between Hindustan Zinc and JNCASR is expected to play a pivotal role in this transition. Earlier this month, Hindustan Zinc also signed an MoU with AEsir Technologies, Inc., a US-based company specializing in advanced zinc battery technologies. This collaboration focuses on developing Nickel-Zinc (NiZn) batteries, known for their high power output, cost efficiency, and extended lifespan. These efforts are part of Hindustan Zinc’s broader strategy to drive innovation in energy storage and support the development of clean technologies.

The Path Ahead

The collaboration between Hindustan Zinc and JNCASR represents a significant milestone in the advancement of zinc-based battery technologies. By focusing on the development of new zinc materials and improving battery performance, the partnership aims to address some of the key challenges associated with current energy storage solutions. The outcomes of this research are expected to contribute to a more sustainable and cost-effective energy future, aligning with global efforts to transition to cleaner energy sources.