Hindustan Zinc Limited, the world’s largest integrated zinc producer, is making significant strides in developing next-generation zinc-based batteries. Focused on improving energy efficiency, safety, and longevity, the company is leading research into innovative battery technologies to support the global transition to clean energy.
Zinc is gaining recognition as a promising alternative to lithium due to its abundance, stability, and cost-effectiveness. With lithium facing supply challenges and rising costs, zinc-based batteries offer a more affordable and geopolitically secure solution for India’s energy needs. These batteries are known for their safety (non-flammability), long cycle life, wide temperature range, recyclability, and significantly lower greenhouse gas emissions—nearly six times lower than traditional battery technologies. Zinc-based systems also provide reliable backup power, ranging from 3 to 72 hours, and are built with non-hazardous materials.
Hindustan Zinc has partnered with top research institutions, including the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras and the Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR) in Bengaluru, to advance sustainable energy storage technologies. Early-stage research is showing promising results, with potential for significant technological progress and commercial scalability in the future. Zinc batteries are poised to play a transformative role in the sustainable energy storage market.
As part of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed with JNCASR in August 2024, Hindustan Zinc is advancing the development of Zinc-Ion batteries. Prof. Prem Senguttuvan, from JNCASR, mentioned the team’s focus on novel zinc anode formulations and advancements in electrode/electrolyte interface engineering, which are showing encouraging results.
Additionally, a partnership with IIT Madras, formalised in October 2024, focuses on designing a 1 kWh rechargeable Zinc-Air battery module. Led by Prof. Aravind Kumar Chandiran, the project aims to enhance rechargeability, durability, and overall battery life. These advancements are expected to be crucial for applications in electric vehicles, grid-scale energy storage, and consumer electronics.
According to BloombergNEF, the global energy storage market is expected to grow at a 21% annual rate, reaching 442 GWh by 2030. Hindustan Zinc’s research efforts are in line with this growing demand, aiming to bolster India’s energy independence and contribute to the global shift towards sustainable energy storage solutions.
Hindustan Zinc’s CEO, Arun Misra, commented, “The battery sector is primed for innovation as the world moves toward longer-lasting, eco-friendly energy solutions. We are committed to playing a key role in this transformation by leveraging zinc as a critical material for energy storage. Our collaborations with leading research institutes underscore our dedication to advancing cutting-edge technologies that will shape the future of energy storage.”
Hindustan Zinc is utilising its expertise in metallurgy and electrowinning to drive this innovation. The company is also leveraging its proficiency with critical materials, such as commercial-grade electrodes and performance additives, to help scale these technologies for industrial production. Hindustan Zinc has also entered into a partnership with AEsir Technologies, a US-based battery manufacturer, to develop nickel-zinc battery technology. This collaboration aims to accelerate the transition from laboratory innovations to real-world applications.
Hindustan Zinc Limited, part of the Vedanta Group, is the world’s largest integrated zinc producer and the third-largest silver producer. The company holds a 75% market share in India’s primary zinc market and supplies to over 40 countries. Recognised as the world’s most sustainable company in the metals and mining category by the S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment 2024, Hindustan Zinc is committed to sustainability and innovation.
The company has introduced EcoZen, Asia’s first low-carbon ‘green’ zinc brand produced using renewable energy. Its carbon footprint is about 75% lower than the global average. Hindustan Zinc is also a certified water-positive company dedicated to achieving Net Zero emissions by 2050 or earlier. Hindustan Zinc has positively impacted over 2 million people in India through its CSR efforts.
