Hindustan Zinc fast-tracks innovation in emerging Zinc battery tech

Hindustan Zinc Limited (NSE: HINDZINC), India’s only and the world’s largest integrated zinc producer, has achieved an early breakthrough in the research of next-generation zinc-based battery technologies. The company’s ongoing research aims to deliver superior energy efficiency, enhanced safety, and extended operational life. As part of the clean energy transition, Hindustan Zinc is at the forefront of pioneering zinc battery technology.

Zinc has gained recognition as a viable alternative to lithium due to its abundance, stability, and cost-effectiveness. While the lithium market continues to face supply constraints and rising costs, zinc-based systems offer an economical and geopolitically secure pathway to achieving India’s energy goals. Zinc batteries are noted for their safety (non-flammability), long cycle life, wide temperature range, and recyclability. These batteries provide dependable backup power from 3 to 72 hours and have a greenhouse gas (GHG) footprint nearly six times lower than traditional technologies. Furthermore, the use of zinc-based materials in sectors like aerospace, marine, renewable energy, data centers, 5G networks, and mission-critical infrastructure further confirms their reliability and versatility.

Hindustan Zinc has joined forces with the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Madras, and the Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR), Bengaluru, to develop cutting-edge energy storage solutions. Initial research findings show significant technological promise, indicating the potential for both advancements and scalability in commercial applications. Zinc-based batteries are gaining traction as a transformative technology in the energy storage sector.

Under the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed with JNCASR in August 2024, Hindustan Zinc is progressing with the development of Zinc-Ion batteries. Prof. Prem Senguttuvan, commenting on the work, stated, “The team is focusing on novel zinc anode formulations, coupled with advanced electrolytes. We have made noteworthy progress in electrode/electrolyte interface engineering, which is very encouraging.”

Additionally, the collaboration with IIT Madras, formalized in October 2024, is focused on designing a 1 kWh rechargeable Zinc-Air battery module using a 6/12-cell stack. The project, led by Professor Aravind Kumar Chandiran from the Department of Chemical Engineering, prioritizes rechargeability, structural integrity, interface durability, and overall battery longevity. Prof. Chandiran remarked, “These batteries are an emerging solution for electric vehicles, grid-scale energy storage, and consumer electronics.

According to a BloombergNEF report, the global energy storage market is projected to grow at a 21% CAGR, reaching 442 GWh by 2030. Hindustan Zinc’s innovations in zinc-based batteries position the company to meet this growing demand while bolstering India’s energy independence.

Hindustan Zinc CEO, Mr. Arun Misra, commented, “The battery segment is primed for innovation as the world shifts towards long-lasting and environmentally friendly energy sources. We at Hindustan Zinc are poised to play a key role in supporting this transition through the production of critical metals like zinc. Our collaborations with two of India’s premier research institutes reflect our commitment to advancing cutting-edge innovations that can redefine the future of energy storage. Batteries have the potential to accelerate this shift, and we aim to drive responsible innovation and long-term impact across the value chain.”

Hindustan Zinc is leveraging its metallurgical expertise and advanced electrowinning capabilities to fuel this innovation. The company’s proficiency with critical materials, including commercial-grade electrodes and performance additives, is accelerating the progress of the battery revolution. Hindustan Zinc is playing a catalytic role in scaling these technologies for industrial-scale production.

In addition to the partnerships with IIT Madras and JNCASR, Hindustan Zinc has signed an MoU with AEsir Technologies, a leading US-based battery manufacturer, for the development of advanced nickel-zinc battery technology. Through this collaboration, Hindustan Zinc is providing technical support, specialized commercial alloys, and industry linkages to fast-track the journey from laboratory innovation to real-world deployment.

Hindustan Zinc Limited, a Vedanta Group company, is not only the world’s largest integrated zinc producer but also the third-largest silver producer. With a market share of about 75% of India’s primary zinc market, the company supplies its products to over 40 countries. Hindustan Zinc has been recognized as the world’s most sustainable company in the metals and mining sector for two consecutive years, according to the S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment 2024. Additionally, the company recently launched EcoZen, Asia’s first low-carbon ‘green’ zinc brand, produced using renewable energy. As a leader in the global metals and mining industry, Hindustan Zinc is at the heart of providing the critical materials necessary for a sustainable energy future.