India establishes CoE to boost battery tech advancement

The goal of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has been to boost domestic manufacturing capacity and promote innovation. At CMET, Pune, MeitY has set up the “Centre of Excellence (CoE) on Rechargeable Battery Technology (Pre-cell)” as part of its dedication to supporting research and development in this field.

Developing domestic production techniques for lithium-ion, sodium-ion, and lithium-polymer batteries—essential components of electronics, cell phones, and electric vehicles (EVs)—is the focus of this institute. To expand on the Center’s achievements, MeitY recently organized an industrial meet with the aim of bringing together key stakeholders from the public and private sectors. The event, which was organized by MeitY Secretary S. Krishnan, provided a forum for discussing the latest developments in RBT and exploring potential collaborations to broaden the application and reach of these technologies.

During the event, participants were briefed on the advancements made by the Centre of Excellence, which has been developing indigenous manufacturing technologies for various types of rechargeable batteries. The Centre is dedicated to advancing R&D efforts and scaling up the production of battery technologies, with a particular focus on local machinery for rechargeable battery cells.

It is anticipated that this program will make a substantial contribution to India’s attempts to lessen its reliance on imports, especially for essential parts needed in the quickly expanding EV industry. He also pointed out the encouraging response from industry participants, which underscores the vast potential for RBT in India. With battery technology now a key focus of innovation, Shri Krishnan stressed that such collaborations are critical for accelerating the adoption and deployment of these technologies across various industries, including transportation, electronics, and energy storage.

The event saw enthusiastic participation from leading industry associations such as the Electronics Industries Association of India (ELCINA), the India Energy Storage Alliance (IESA), and the Indian Cellular & Electronics Association (ICEA). Several prominent companies expressed keen interest in forging valuable partnerships with the Centre of Excellence. These collaborations are expected to drive forward innovation and expand the reach of RBT technologies in the Indian market.

In a significant development, three Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) were signed between the Centre of Excellence and key industry players. These agreements are seen as a key step in furthering the Centre’s mission of advancing indigenous battery manufacturing technologies and scaling up their production.

India is eager to develop affordable, clean energy and empower climate action by offering a cost-effective, safe alternative to lithium-ion batteries for large-scale energy storage. OpenGov Asia reported that JNCASR and Hindustan Zinc Limited (HZL) have partnered to advance indigenous zinc-ion battery technologies, focusing on developing new zinc alloys to enhance performance, stability, and battery life. The collaboration between MeitY, industry stakeholders, and research institutions is crucial for India’s transition to a more sustainable and technologically advanced future. With battery technology playing a pivotal role in sectors like electric mobility and renewable energy storage, India’s continued investment in research and development is poised to make a significant impact on both the local and global markets.