In a significant boost to India's green energy ambitions, Hindustan Zinc Limited (HZL), India's leading zinc producer, has joined forces with the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) to develop a 1 kWh electrically-rechargeable Zinc-Air battery prototype.
This collaboration aims to leverage the advantages of zinc as a sustainable and cost-effective alternative to lithium in energy storage, addressing key challenges faced by the current lithium-ion battery market.
HZL, a Vedanta Group company, and IIT Madras are committed to advancing sustainable energy solutions. This partnership signifies a crucial step in the evolution of zinc-based battery technologies, capitalizing on zinc's abundant availability, affordability, and established safety record.
"Zinc is poised to play a vital role in the global energy transition," stated Mr. Arun Misra, CEO of Hindustan Zinc Limited. "Our collaboration with IIT Madras will drive research on zinc-air battery technology, potentially revolutionizing energy storage. By exploring new applications for zinc, we are dedicated to creating a greener future."
Leading the research at IIT Madras is Prof. Aravind Kumar Chandiran, Head of Hyundai Hydrogen Innovation Hub and faculty in the Department of Chemical Engineering. Prof. Chandiran and his team have already developed a prototype rechargeable Zinc-Air battery and hold three Indian patents for their innovations in this field. "Zinc-air batteries offer a promising solution to the challenges faced by current energy storage technologies," said Prof. Chandiran. "This partnership allows us to combine our expertise with Hindustan Zinc's industry leadership to develop innovative energy storage systems for electric vehicles and stationary applications."
Zinc-Air batteries are gaining traction as a viable alternative to lithium-ion batteries, offering long-duration storage, durability, and affordability. Compared to lithium, which is significantly more expensive, zinc provides a cost-effective solution with superior performance. Furthermore, Zinc-Air batteries boast enhanced safety due to their water-based electrolytes and lack of flammable components.
This initiative aligns with the growing global demand for sustainable energy storage. A recent Bloomberg NEF report projects the global energy storage market to reach 442 GWh by 2030, growing at an annual rate of 21%. Hindustan Zinc's collaboration with IIT Madras aims to contribute to this growth by promoting zinc-based technologies as safer and more sustainable alternatives.
This MoU with IIT Madras complements Hindustan Zinc's ongoing initiatives in the battery storage sector. The company recently partnered with the Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR) to develop next-generation zinc-ion batteries and with AEsir Technologies, Inc. to advance nickel-zinc battery technologies.
Hindustan Zinc, recognized as the world's most sustainable company in the metals and mining category by the S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment 2023, continues to demonstrate its commitment to innovation and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices. This collaboration with IIT Madras further solidifies its position as a key player in the global transition towards a sustainable energy future.
