Hindustan Zinc and IIT Madras have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to jointly develop a one kWh electrically-rechargeable zinc-air battery prototype. This partnership will advance research on zinc-air battery technology and marks a step forward in energy storage.

Zinc, a critical metal is set to play a crucial role in the global energy transition as it offers a sustainable and economically viable alternative to lithium in energy storage technology, due to its long-duration storage capabilities and durability.

The research team from IIT Madras, led by Aravind Kumar Chandiran, Head of Hyundai Hydrogen Innovation Hub, IIT Madras is credited with development of a prototype rechargeable zinc-air battery and holds three Indian patents for innovations in leak resistance, anode recharging and anode replacement design.

This collaboration aims to enhance energy storage systems, with potential applications in renewable energy, data centres and telecommunications.