Hindalco Industries, an aluminium producer, has announced plans to establish a battery foil manufacturing facility in Sambalpur, Odisha. The company is set to invest Rs 800 crore in this state-of-the-art facility, aiming to cater to the increasing demand for battery-grade aluminium foil, a critical component in lithium-ion and sodium-ion cells. The facility, scheduled to be commissioned by July 2025, will have an initial production capacity of 25,000 tonnes of aluminium foil. This move aligns with Hindalco’s vision to contribute to the electric vehicle and grid storage sectors, reflecting the growing importance of raw material localization in strategic sectors.
Satish Pai, Managing Director, Hindalco Industries, highlighted the surge in demand for battery materials, “We are seeing fast traction in battery material demand, driven by an impressive outlook for the electric vehicle and grid storage sectors. Raw material localization is critical in such strategic sectors.” Satish Pai also emphasized on the significance of investments in battery materials and technologies to support the vision of building Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India).
By 2030, the demand for battery-grade aluminium foil in India is expected to witness substantial growth, reaching 40,000 tonnes. This surge is attributed to the popularity of giga-factories for advanced cell manufacturing. Hindalco’s investment in the new battery foil mill is a strategic step towards meeting this rising demand. Hindalco Industries not only plans to initiate the production of battery foil but also aims to significantly expand its capacity to manufacture fine-quality aluminium foil. This type of foil plays a crucial role in rechargeable batteries, making it essential for the rapidly expanding electric vehicle and renewable energy storage markets.
The company is actively collaborating with original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to co-develop and manufacture critical components such as battery enclosures, motor housings, busbars, structural and safety components, and lightweight load bodies. Many of these components are being designed and developed for the first time in India, showcasing Hindalco’s commitment to innovation in the electric mobility ecosystem.
The transformation of Hindalco Industries from a traditional metal manufacturer to a provider of high-tech metal solutions is attributed to a series of strategic investments. The Sambalpur project aligns with the company’s goals of sustainable growth and reducing carbon emissions, in line with the government’s green initiatives. The new battery foil manufacturing unit in Odisha will be situated alongside a 25-MW solar power plant, reinforcing Hindalco’s commitment to sustainable manufacturing practices. The facility will have access to additional solar energy from a 400-KV national grid connection, further strengthening its green initiatives.
Hindalco Industries, with its deep understanding of metallurgy, extensive experience in sheet and foil rolling, and access to its own aluminium metal, is well-positioned to lead in the production of high-performance aluminium foils. These foils serve as current collectors for cathode materials in batteries, exhibiting the company’s expertise in metallurgical applications. The company is also actively working on developing new coatings for battery foils to enhance performance, including better adhesion, lower resistance, and reduced corrosion. Leveraging its R&D capabilities, Hindalco aims to provide tailor-made solutions to meet the evolving needs of its customers in the dynamic electric mobility market.
