25 March 2025, Hyderabad: In a major breakthrough for India’s energy storage sector, researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology, Madras (IIT-M) are developing an advanced zinc-air battery technology that could serve as a cost-effective, safer, and more sustainable alternative to lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries. These batteries, which power everything from smartphones to electric vehicles (EVs), are currently almost entirely imported into India, leading to significant foreign exchange expenditure.
Reducing Dependency on Imports
India’s demand for Li-ion batteries currently stands at approximately 15 gigawatt-hours (GWh), with most of the supply coming from China, Japan, and Indonesia. According to data from the Global Trade Research Initiative, the country imported Li-ion batteries for EVs worth $2.2 billion in the 2024 fiscal year, primarily from China. Developing a domestic alternative such as zinc-air batteries could help India mitigate its reliance on imports while also reducing costs and enhancing energy security.
Advantages of Zinc-Air Batteries
Professor Ranjit Bauri from IIT-M’s Department of Metallurgical and Materials Engineering, who is leading the project, highlighted the potential of zinc-air batteries in the global shift toward sustainable energy.
“Zinc, unlike the rare and expensive elements used in lithium-ion batteries, is abundant and low-cost in India. This makes it an ideal candidate for mass energy storage solutions,” Bauri said
One of the most significant advantages of zinc-air batteries is their superior safety profile. Unlike Li-ion batteries, which are prone to overheating and even catching fire under certain conditions, zinc-air batteries operate safely across a wide range of temperatures. Their theoretical energy density also surpasses conventional battery technologies, meaning they can last longer, providing more power per charge.
“You cannot use an EV with a lithium-ion battery that will run hundreds of kilometers without worrying about safety issues like overheating,” Bauri explained. “Zinc-air batteries, on the other hand, do not pose such risks and can be manufactured at a lower cost.”
Challenges and Ongoing Research
Despite their promising benefits, zinc-air batteries still face several technical challenges that need to be addressed before they can be widely commercialized.
Sai Vani Terlapu, a research scholar at IIT-M and co-author of a report on the technology, pointed out that corrosion and sluggish kinetics are major concerns that could impact battery performance and durability.
“Efficient catalysts are essential to facilitate these reactions and enable the smooth operation of the battery during charging and discharging cycles,” Terlapu said.
The IIT-M team is currently conducting trials and refining their technology to overcome these challenges. Bauri emphasized that while the technology is constantly evolving, further research and development efforts are needed to enhance the battery’s efficiency and lifespan.
A Global Shift Toward Zinc-Based Batteries
IIT-M’s research aligns with global efforts to find alternatives to Li-ion batteries. Companies such as Canada’s Salient Energy, which is working on zinc-ion batteries, and U.S.-based Urban Electric Power, which is developing zinc-manganese dioxide batteries, are investing in zinc-based technologies for large-scale energy storage applications. These innovations are particularly relevant for grid storage, where safety, cost-effectiveness, and longevity are critical factors.
A Gamechanger for India’s Energy Sector
If successfully commercialized, zinc-air batteries could transform India’s energy storage landscape. By leveraging a locally abundant and inexpensive material, the technology has the potential to make batteries more affordable, safer, and environmentally friendly.
The IIT-M research team remains optimistic about the future of zinc-air batteries, seeing them as a viable solution to India’s growing energy storage needs. With continued investment and research, these batteries could soon become a mainstream alternative, reducing India’s dependence on expensive imports and bolstering the country’s clean energy initiatives.
As the demand for efficient, scalable, and eco-friendly energy solutions continues to rise, innovations such as these underscore India’s ability to be a leader in sustainable technology development. The next few years will be crucial in determining how quickly this promising battery technology can move from research labs to real-world applications.
Source: Puran choudhary, The Economic Times
