New Delhi, 6 February 2026: Hindustan Zinc Limited (HZL), in collaboration with the Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR), has successfully developed stable and reliable zinc-ion battery pouch cell prototypes aimed at large-scale renewable energy storage. This marks a significant milestone in India’s indigenous research on advanced energy storage technologies.
The prototypes are designed to store renewable energy such as solar power efficiently, while maintaining stability and safety. Researchers are now working to further enhance energy density and cycle life for longer-duration applications.
Why Zinc-Ion Batteries Matter
Zinc-ion batteries are emerging as a low-cost, safe, and sustainable alternative to lithium-ion batteries, particularly for stationary energy storage. Leveraging India’s abundant zinc resources, the technology offers advantages such as:
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Non-flammable aqueous electrolytes
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Lower material costs
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High safety for large-scale deployment
The collaboration addresses challenges like optimizing electrode and electrolyte materials and developing low-cost electrolyte formulations to improve battery stability and performance. The prototypes have already been tested under realistic conditions, demonstrating their suitability for renewable energy applications.
Industry Perspective
“Zinc-ion battery technology represents a critical opportunity to leverage India’s zinc resources for the energy transition,” said Arun Misra, CEO & Whole-Time Director, Hindustan Zinc Limited. “Our partnership with JNCASR reflects our commitment to safe, cost-effective, and scalable energy storage solutions.”
Dr. Prem Senguttuvan, Associate Professor at JNCASR, added, “This collaboration strengthens indigenous research capabilities and contributes to India-centric solutions for the clean energy transition.”
About Hindustan Zinc
HZL, a Vedanta Group company, is the world’s largest integrated zinc producer and among the top five silver producers globally, supplying to over 40 countries. The company is recognized for sustainability and ESG practices, including the launch of EcoZen, Asia’s first low-carbon ‘green’ zinc brand. Hindustan Zinc is also committed to achieving Net Zero emissions by 2050 and has been ranked among the Top 10 CSR companies in India.
Through initiatives like the development of zinc-ion batteries, HZL aims to accelerate India’s renewable energy transition and support large-scale, safe, and cost-effective energy storage solutions for a greener future.