India needs battery technology beyond Lithium-ion batteries to address the growing energy demands of its electric vehicle (EV) industry and renewable energy sector. Currently, Lithium-ion batteries dominate due to their high energy density and fast charging capabilities. However, experts emphasize the importance of diversifying energy storage technology during the India Energy Storage Week (IESW) 2025, hosted from July 8 to 11.
Challenges of Lithium-ion Dependence
India’s dependence on Lithium-ion batteries raises concerns. These batteries rely on limited raw materials such as lithium, cobalt, and nickel, raising fears of supply shortages. Moreover, sourcing these materials involves geopolitical challenges and environmental risks.
Emerging Alternatives in India
To mitigate these risks and foster sustainability, India is exploring promising alternatives like Vanadium Redox Flow Batteries (VRFB), sodium-ion batteries, and thermo-mechanical systems.
Vanadium Redox Flow Batteries
Vanadium Redox Flow Batteries (VRFB) are gaining traction because of their longevity and scalability. VRFBs leverage vanadium ions in a solution, making them suitable for large-scale energy storage systems. The global VRFB market was valued at USD 394.7 million in 2023 and is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 19.7% from 2024 to 2030. Avishek Kumar, CEO of VFlowTech, advocates for diversifying storage technologies in India to meet energy demands effectively.
Sodium-Ion Batteries
Sodium-ion batteries are emerging as a cost-effective and temperature-resilient alternative for stationary energy storage. Their production avoids dependency on critical minerals, making them ideal for renewable integration. William Tope of LiNa Energy highlights their significance in supporting renewable energy generation and load-shifting between peak and off-peak demand periods.
CO2-Based Energy Storage
Paul Smith, representing Energy Dome, introduced an innovative CO2-based energy storage system called Compressed Energy Advanced Storage (CEAS). This market-ready solution scales up to 1 GWh and is entering India via a partnership with NTPC.
Zinc-Air Batteries
Sthyr Energy’s zinc-air batteries promise long-duration storage solutions of up to 24 hours. This technology is suitable for deeper discharge cycles, offering a way to balance grid demands with an increase in renewable penetration.
Thermo-Mechanical Systems
Saurav Mitra of Sumitomo SHI FW highlighted Liquid Air Energy Storage (LAES), a thermo-mechanical system capable of storing energy using air compression. LAES offers a sustainable, zero-critical-mineral solution, with 80% of components already sourced in India.
The Path Ahead
India’s energy storage future is set to embrace diverse technologies. Moving beyond Lithium-ion batteries will ensure grid stability, support industrial applications, and promote clean mobility. These advancements pave the way for a sustainable and community-focused energy ecosystem.
Conclusion
With ongoing research and innovation, India is positioned to lead in battery technology diversification. By embracing alternatives such as VRFBs, sodium-ion batteries, and thermo-mechanical systems, the country can meet its growing energy needs sustainably.
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