Offgrid Energy Labs, an India-founded battery technology company, has inaugurated its first ZincGel® pilot manufacturing facility in Hook, Hampshire, marking the commercial production of its proprietary long-duration energy storage batteries outside India. The 10 MWh demonstration line represents the company’s first international manufacturing unit and a significant step in scaling India-developed battery technology for global markets.
The new facility is the United Kingdom’s first dedicated manufacturing unit for ZincGel® batteries and is designed to demonstrate the commercial viability of the company’s zinc-bromine energy storage platform. The launch also lays the foundation for future large-scale battery production and supports growing global demand for safe, reliable and long-duration energy storage solutions as renewable energy deployment accelerates worldwide.
The expansion comes as countries strengthen investments in grid-scale storage to improve renewable energy integration and energy security. In India, the Central Electricity Authority has projected a requirement of more than 411 GWh of energy storage capacity by 2031-32, including over 236 GWh from battery energy storage systems, highlighting the need for advanced storage technologies capable of supporting large-scale renewable power generation.
Originally developed through India’s deep-science and innovation ecosystem, Offgrid’s ZincGel® technology is based on zinc-bromine chemistry and has been engineered for long-duration stationary energy storage applications. Unlike conventional lithium-ion batteries, the technology is non-flammable and eliminates the risk of thermal runaway. It is designed to deliver 100% daily depth of discharge across discharge durations ranging from six to sixteen hours while offering an operational life of up to 20 years. The batteries are intended for applications including renewable energy integration, grid balancing, microgrids, industrial backup power and peak demand management.
Commenting on the launch, Rishi Srivastava, Co-founder of Offgrid Energy Labs, said the facility represents an important milestone in taking Indian deep-technology innovation to international markets. He noted that the manufacturing unit strengthens the company’s ability to serve global customers while supporting energy security, supply-chain resilience and the transition towards low-carbon power systems.
Co-founder Tejas Kusurkar said the global energy transition will require multiple battery chemistries to address different applications. He added that zinc-bromine technology offers advantages for stationary storage by combining long operating life, deep discharge capability, enhanced safety and abundant raw materials, making it well suited for large-scale renewable energy infrastructure.
The UK facility also reflects growing collaboration between India and the United Kingdom in advanced manufacturing and clean energy technologies. Supported by Shell Ventures, Ankur Capital and Archean Chemical Industries, Offgrid Energy Labs plans to expand its international manufacturing footprint while continuing to build battery technologies anchored in Indian intellectual property, research and materials expertise for global energy storage markets.
