hindustan zinc advances next gen zinc battery research through strategic alliances

Hindustan Zinc Advances Next-Gen Zinc Battery Research Through Strategic Alliances

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Udaipur, May 5, 2025 Hindustan Zinc Limited (NSE: HINDZINC), the world’s largest integrated zinc producer, has announced promising early-stage breakthroughs in zinc-based battery technologies, aimed at revolutionizing sustainable energy storage. As part of its innovation-led strategy, the company has forged key research partnerships with IIT Madras and JNCASR Bengaluru, accelerating the development of next-generation rechargeable battery systems tailored for India’s clean energy ambitions.

Zinc Battery

Zinc Batteries Emerge as a Sustainable Alternative to Lithium

In response to the global lithium supply crisis and rising raw material costs, zinc has gained recognition for its abundance, cost-effectiveness, non-flammable properties, and superior recyclability. Zinc-based batteries deliver backup power ranging from 3 to 72 hours, operate across diverse temperature ranges, and have a greenhouse gas footprint nearly six times lower than traditional technologies.

With proven application in sectors like aerospace, marine, renewable energy, data centers, and 5G infrastructure, zinc batteries present a geopolitically secure and scalable solution for India’s energy security.

Groundbreaking Collaborations with IIT Madras and JNCASR Bengaluru

Under a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in August 2024, Hindustan Zinc and JNCASR Bengaluru are co-developing Zinc-Ion batteries. Lead scientist Prof. Prem Senguttuvan shared that their team has made significant strides in electrode-electrolyte interface engineering, leveraging advanced anode formulations and electrolyte systems.

In a separate initiative, the company teamed up with IIT Madras in October 2024 to build a 1 kWh Zinc-Air battery module using a 6/12-cell stack. Headed by Prof. Aravind Kumar Chandiran of the Department of Chemical Engineering, this project emphasizes rechargeability, interface durability, and structural integrity, with potential applications in electric vehicles, grid-scale storage, and consumer electronics.

Driving Industrial Scale-Up and Global Partnerships

Hindustan Zinc is leveraging its core metallurgical expertise and commercial-grade materials to bridge the gap between lab-scale innovation and real-world industrial deployment. The company is also partnering with AEsir Technologies, a US-based battery innovator, to commercialize nickel-zinc battery technologies, providing technical know-how and alloy inputs to fast-track product development.

According to BloombergNEF, the global energy storage market is expected to grow at a 21% CAGR, reaching 442 GWh by 2030. Hindustan Zinc’s initiatives are strategically positioned to support this demand while promoting India’s energy independence.

CEO Comments on Strategic Vision and Sustainability Goals

Speaking on the development, Mr. Arun Misra, CEO of Hindustan Zinc, stated:

“As the world transitions to long-lasting, environmentally friendly energy sources, the battery segment is ripe for innovation. Hindustan Zinc is proud to play a catalytic role in this transformation through our focus on critical metal production, research collaborations, and responsible innovation.”

Hindustan Zinc, a Vedanta Group company, is also recognized as the world’s most sustainable metals and mining company by the S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment 2024. The company’s launch of EcoZen, Asia’s first low-carbon zinc brand, further strengthens its environmental leadership in the global energy transition.

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Ganpat Singh Chouhan
Ganpat Singh Chouhan
My name is Ganpat Singh Choughan. I am an experienced content writer with 7 years of expertise in the field. Currently, I contribute to Daily Kiran, creating engaging and informative content across a variety of categories including technology, health, travel, education, and automobiles. My goal is to deliver accurate, insightful, and captivating information through my words to help readers stay informed and empowered.