Hindustan Zinc Limited has announced a strategic collaboration with the Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR) to develop zinc-ion battery technology for large-scale renewable energy storage. The partnership has achieved a significant milestone by creating stable and reliable zinc-ion battery pouch cell prototypes, marking an important step in India's indigenous energy storage research.

Technology Development and Innovation

The collaboration focuses on addressing key challenges in zinc-ion battery technology, particularly optimizing electrode and electrolyte materials to achieve longer cycle life and higher energy density. JNCASR researchers, supported by Hindustan Zinc, are developing low-cost electrolyte formulations that enhance battery stability and performance.

The newly formulated electrolytes demonstrate improved stability and enable longer cycle life, with prototypes evaluated under realistic testing conditions that simulate solar energy applications.

Strategic Advantages and Market Position

Zinc-ion batteries are emerging as strong candidates for stationary energy storage due to several inherent advantages. The technology leverages the abundance, low cost, and wide availability of zinc resources, making it particularly suitable for large-scale deployment.

Key Technology Benefits:

• Safety: Exceptional safety profile with non-flammable aqueous electrolytes
• Cost-effectiveness: Lower material costs compared to alternative technologies
• Resource availability: Utilizes abundant zinc resources
• Scalability: Suitable for large-scale and long-duration deployment

While zinc-ion batteries currently have lower performance metrics than lithium-ion batteries, these distinct advantages position them as viable solutions for specific energy storage applications.

Leadership Perspectives

Mr. Arun Misra, CEO and Whole Time Director, Hindustan Zinc Limited, emphasized the strategic importance of the collaboration: "Zinc-ion battery technology represents an important opportunity to leverage India's abundant zinc resources for the energy transition. Our partnership with the Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research reflects our commitment to enabling safe, cost-effective, and scalable energy storage solutions that can support the growing integration of renewable energy."

Dr. Prem Senguttuvan, Associate Professor at JNCASR, highlighted the research significance: "Zinc batteries hold immense promise for sustainable and secure energy storage. This partnership with Hindustan Zinc underscores JNCASR's commitment to impactful industry-academia collaborations. It will strengthen indigenous research capabilities and contribute to building reliable, India-centric solutions for the clean energy transition."

Future Applications and Industry Impact

The development aligns with Hindustan Zinc's broader strategy to accelerate sustainable energy solutions. Zinc plays a critical role across multiple industries including steel, renewable energy, battery storage, electrical and electronic components, and mobility sectors. Through next-generation zinc materials development in partnership with JNCASR, the company aims to establish foundations for a safer, greener, and more self-reliant energy future for India.

The collaboration represents a significant step toward indigenous energy storage technology development, potentially reducing dependence on imported battery technologies while leveraging India's natural zinc resources for the clean energy transition.

Hindustan Zinc Limited has successfully completed the allotment of non-convertible debentures worth ₹1400 crore, marking a significant debt fundraising initiative by the mining company. The allotment was approved by the duly authorized Committee of Directors on February 02, 2026, through a resolution passed by circulation in terms of Section 175 of the Companies Act, 2013.

Debenture Allotment Details

The Committee of Directors approved the allotment of two series of debentures at 12:50 PM IST on February 02, 2026:

Debenture Characteristics

The non-convertible debentures carry specific features that make them attractive to institutional investors:

Regulatory Compliance and Communication

The allotment follows the company's earlier communication dated January 23, 2026, referenced as letter No. HZL/2025-26/SECY/150. The latest intimation was issued under reference number HZL/2025-26/SECY/152, ensuring comprehensive regulatory compliance.

The company has formally informed both BSE Limited and National Stock Exchange of India Limited about this development, maintaining transparency with regulatory authorities and investors. Company Secretary & Compliance Officer Aashima V Khanna digitally signed the official communication, demonstrating adherence to corporate governance standards.