Vedanta group firm Hindustan Zinc Ltd said It has formed a partnership with IIT Madras to develop advanced zinc-air battery technology. Zinc-air batteries provide a cost-effective, rechargeable, and durable alternative to the expensive and imported lithium-ion batteries.
The collaboration aims to develop a 1 kWh electrically rechargeable zinc-air battery prototype, Hindustan Zinc said in a statement.
“This partnership marks a significant step forward in the evolution of zinc-based battery technologies, leveraging zinc’s abundant resource availability, cost-effectiveness and established safety record,” the statement said.
Although lithium-ion batteries are prevalent in the market, they face significant challenges due to their high cost, limited resource availability, and safety concerns, which zinc-based alternatives can address effectively.
“Our partnership with IIT Madras will advance research on zinc-air battery technology, that will redefine the future of energy storage. By exploring new applications of zinc in energy storage, we are committed to contributing to a greener and more sustainable future for the generations to come,” Hindustan Zinc Ltd CEO Arun Misra said.
Zinc-air batteries are gaining recognition as a promising alternative, noted for their extended storage duration, robustness, and potential as a cost-effective substitute for lithium-ion batteries. Zinc, being significantly less expensive than lithium—often by more than four times—provides a more economical option with enhanced performance characteristics.