Udaipur, 31st July: In a strategic move to support the global shift towards sustainable energy, Hindustan Zinc Limited (NSE: HINDZINC) has announced plans to explore zinc-based battery applications. As the world’s second-largest integrated zinc producer and third-largest silver producer, Hindustan Zinc is positioning itself at the forefront of the clean tech revolution.
Zinc-based batteries present a compelling alternative to lithium-ion batteries due to their more stable chemistry, enhanced safety, and lower costs. Unlike lithium, which poses significant combustion risks and is costly and rare, zinc is abundant in India, offering a more economical and secure option for energy storage. This stability and affordability make zinc batteries suitable for long-duration storage, superior energy performance, and versatile applications across various weather conditions.
Hindustan Zinc’s commitment to sustainable technology aligns with the global energy transition’s demand for mineral-intensive, climate-friendly solutions. CEO Arun Misra emphasized the company’s dedication to advancing zinc-based battery technology, highlighting a proposed partnership with US-based Aesir Tech, a leader in next-generation zinc battery innovations. Additionally, the company is collaborating with premier Indian academic institutions to further research in this field.
“The global energy transition requires safe, stable, and cost-effective energy storage solutions,” said Misra. “Zinc batteries offer a credible opportunity to replace lithium, addressing key challenges such as domestic availability and safety. Our initiative is poised to accelerate India’s mission to a cleaner future and save substantial exchequer funds due to zinc’s domestic abundance.”
A Bloomberg NEF report projects a 21% annual growth in the global energy storage market, reaching 442 GWh by 2030. Zinc batteries, with their long cycle life, high specific energy, and wide operating temperature range, are well-suited to meet this rising demand. They are built with non-flammable materials, are non-reactive to air and water, and produce no toxic fumes, ensuring greater safety and environmental sustainability.
Hindustan Zinc’s exploration into zinc battery technology extends beyond traditional applications. The company envisions zinc-based batteries playing a crucial role in high-end defense sectors, renewable energy, critical infrastructure for data centers, and 5G telecommunications. Emerging chemistries such as zinc-manganese, zinc-ion, nickel-zinc, and zinc-air further enhance the potential of zinc batteries.
As the world advances towards renewable energy, Hindustan Zinc is dedicated to providing critical raw materials for developing emerging clean technologies. The company aims to be a strategic and responsible partner in accelerating the transition to sustainable energy solutions, solidifying its role across the value chain of zinc-based battery technology.
