Hindustan Zinc Teams Up with JNCASR for Zinc Battery Development

Hindustan Zinc Limited announced that it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR), a premier institute supported by the Department of Science and Technology, Government of India. This partnership aims to develop new zinc material variants to drive the commercialisation of zinc-based batteries.

The company stated that its collaboration with JNCASR represents a significant advancement in battery technology, capitalising on zinc’s abundant availability, cost-effectiveness, and sustainability. While lithium-ion batteries currently dominate the market, challenges such as limited lithium availability, geographic concentration of mineral processing, and safety concerns, including combustion risks, hinder the progress of sustainable energy solutions.

Moreover, lithium is significantly more expensive, costing over four times more than zinc, making zinc-based batteries a more affordable alternative. Zinc batteries offer benefits such as long-duration storage, durability, and a proven safety record, positioning them as a strong alternative to lithium-based batteries.

Zinc-based primary batteries have maintained a strong market presence in India and globally, with stable chemistries in use since the 1800s. Recent innovations in rechargeable zinc-based batteries have opened new possibilities for applications in high-end sectors, including defence, aerospace, renewable energy, and critical infrastructure like data centres and 5G telecom.

The domestic development of zinc-based batteries is also expected to save significant government costs, given the ample availability of zinc resources within India. Well-known zinc-based battery chemistries include zinc-manganese, zinc-carbon, nickel-zinc, and zinc-air. This collaboration will focus on researching and developing zinc alloys as anodes for Zinc Ion and Zinc Air batteries, creating electrolytes for high-performance zinc alloy anodes, and designing chemical processes for recycling zinc metal-based batteries.

Commenting on this partnership, the CEO of Hindustan Zinc Limited, Arun Misra, said, “Zinc is integral to a low-carbon future, and it presents itself as a safe, stable and sustainable alternative to lithium in the energy storage segment. At Hindustan Zinc, our climate action initiatives are focused on aiding the ongoing global energy transition by advancing and exploring new applications of zinc in batteries. This collaboration demonstrates our crucial role in catering to the increasing demand for alternative energy solutions by being an active contributor of critical raw materials for the development of emerging clean technologies.”

Through this research initiative, Hindustan Zinc aims to accelerate the shift towards sustainable energy solutions, as zinc plays a vital role across the value chain of critical industries such as steel, renewable energy, battery storage, electronics, and mobility. By advancing next-generation zinc materials, Hindustan Zinc seeks to contribute to a greener and more sustainable future. Prof. Premkumar Senguttuvan’s team at JNCASR, known for their cutting-edge materials research, will collaborate with Hindustan Zinc to develop solutions that enhance the performance and reliability of zinc-based batteries.

Prof. Sreenivas, Dean R&D of JNCASR, said, “Prof. Premkumar Senguttuvan, brings extensive expertise in battery technology, with significant experience in lithium, sodium, and zinc-based systems. His research has leveraged the unique benefits of these elements for energy storage applications. Zinc’s widespread availability, minimal environmental impact, cost-effectiveness, and safety characteristics position it as a key player in advancing sustainable energy solutions. Prof. Senguttuvan’s proposed work in zinc-based battery technologies, in collaboration with Hindustan Zinc, holds the potential to make significant contributions to a more sustainable and resilient energy future.”

This new partnership with JNCASR aligns with Hindustan Zinc’s ongoing efforts in the battery storage sector. Earlier this month, Hindustan Zinc signed an MoU with AEsir Technologies, Inc., a US-based company specialising in next-generation zinc battery technologies. This collaboration aims to develop Nickel-Zinc (NiZn) batteries, which promise to revolutionise energy storage with their high power output, cost efficiency, and extended lifespan.

Disclaimer: This blog has been written exclusively for educational purposes. The securities mentioned are only examples and not recommendations. It is based on several secondary sources on the internet and is subject to changes. Please consult an expert before making related decisions.