Hindustan Zinc Limited (NSE: HINDZINC) in its efforts to support the ongoing global energy transition and thrust on emerging clean tech, will explore new avenues of zinc applications in batteries. The company is the world’s second-largest integrated zinc producer and third-largest silver producer.
Zinc-based batteries are better alternatives to lithium-ion based batteries owing to a far more stable chemistry. Zinc-based batteries are stable and hence safer unlike lithium-based batteries that are less stable and hence less safe, posing serious risks of combustion. Lithium is a rarer element in nature and is imported into India, causing a drain in forex. Zinc is abundantly available in India through vast domestic reserves. Above all, lithium is far costlier (more than four times) compared to zinc which is much more affordable. Zinc-based batteries offer long duration storage for enhanced battery lifespan, superior energy performance for extended usage, lower cost of ownership and ease of operations for all weather conditions. This makes zinc batteries far more versatile.
With the global energy transition underway, developing climate-friendly technologies will be highly mineral intensive, and the metals & mining sector will have a big role to play to support this transition. Hindustan Zinc, recognized as the world’s most sustainable metals & mining company, produces two critical metals – zinc and silver – which will witness increased demand in the emerging clean technology space.
Hindustan Zinc with one of the largest product portfolios in the zinc-lead-silver segment is constantly exploring new avenues for applications that support the ongoing global energy transition. The applications of zinc in batteries have proven dependable and successful in the high-end defense sector (including aerospace and marine), renewable energy and critical infrastructure for data centers and 5G telecom etc.
Speaking on the company’s efforts to support the ongoing global energy transition, Arun Misra, CEO Hindustan Zinc, said “Our climate action initiatives are focussed on aiding the global energy transition through sustainable sources of energy. Batteries have the potential to accelerate this transition through energy storage. While Lithium batteries are currently in focus, lack of domestic availability of lithium and safety of lithium batteries are key challenges for the global energy transition. Zinc presents a safe, stable and credible opportunity to replace lithium in batteries. We have taken the first step with our proposed partnership with US based Aesir Tech, specializing in next-gen zinc battery tech. In addition, we are also exploring research avenues in battery technology with premier academic institutions in India. Hindustan Zinc with its vast domestic zinc reserves, is well poised to accelerate India’s mission to a cleaner tomorrow and our Zinc battery initiative will also help in saving exchequer’s funds due to zinc’s abundance in the country.”
According to a recent Bloomberg NEF report, the global energy storage market is on an upward trajectory, with projections of an annual growth of 21%, reaching 442 GWh by 2030.
He further added, “Zinc’s usage in batteries has been in wide circulation since the early 1800s. Zinc-carbon batteries or dry-cells are already in common day-to-day use and other chemistries are rapidly developing. Some of the emerging zinc-based battery chemistries include zinc-manganese, zinc-ion, nickel-zinc and zinc-air.”
Zinc batteries are flexible, capable of long cycle life, high specific energy, and power. They have a wide operating temperature and require minimal upkeep to maintain performance and safety. They are built with non-flammable materials, are non-reactive to air and water, and produce no toxic fumes, ensuring greater safety. Additionally, Zinc-based batteries are recyclable, use non-hazardous raw materials, and have a greenhouse gas (GHG) footprint six times lower than other technologies.
As the world progresses towards renewable energy, Hindustan Zinc aims to cater to the increasing demand for alternative energy solutions by being an active contributor of critical raw materials for the development of emerging clean technologies. The company aims to be a strategic and responsible partner to further accelerate the transition to sustainable energy solutions. Hindustan Zinc is actively exploring new research avenues to play a key role across the value chain of zinc-based battery technology.
