Hindustan Zinc, the world’s largest integrated zinc producer and one of the top five silver producers globally, has partnered with the Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR) to develop stable zinc-ion battery pouch cell prototypes designed for large-scale renewable energy storage. The development marks a major advance in India’s indigenous energy storage research.
Zinc-ion batteries are gaining momentum as a viable alternative for stationary energy storage, driven by zinc’s abundance, low cost, and wide availability. While challenges remain in improving cycle life and energy density, the Hindustan Zinc–JNCASR collaboration is tackling these hurdles through the development of low-cost electrolyte formulations and robust battery prototypes suitable for grid-scale use.
Researchers at JNCASR, supported by Hindustan Zinc, have formulated new electrolytes that enhance battery stability and extend cycle life. The zinc-ion pouch cell prototypes have been tested under real-world conditions, including solar energy capture and release profiles, demonstrating their potential to support renewable energy systems safely and efficiently.
Highlighting the importance of the breakthrough, Arun Misra, CEO and Whole Time Director, Hindustan Zinc Limited, said: “Zinc-ion battery technology represents an important opportunity to leverage India’s abundant zinc resources for the energy transition. Our partnership with the Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research reflects our commitment to enabling safe, cost-effective, and scalable energy storage solutions that can support the growing integration of renewable energy.”
Although zinc-ion batteries currently lag lithium-ion technology in performance metrics, they offer critical advantages for large-scale deployment, including superior safety, lower material costs, and the use of non-flammable aqueous electrolytes.
Prem Senguttuvan, Associate Professor at the Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research, said: “Zinc batteries hold immense promise for sustainable and secure energy storage. This partnership with Hindustan Zinc underscores JNCASR’s commitment to impactful industry–academia collaborations. It will strengthen indigenous research capabilities and contribute to building reliable, India-centric solutions for the clean energy transition.”
The initiative aligns with Hindustan Zinc’s broader strategy to accelerate sustainable energy solutions, recognizing zinc’s growing importance across sectors such as steel, renewable energy, battery storage, electronics, and mobility. Through next-generation zinc materials and its collaboration with JNCASR, the company is positioning itself at the forefront of India’s push toward a safer, greener, and more self-reliant energy future.
