Hindalco to start pilot production of aluminium plates for aluminium-air batteries, in partnership with Phinergy & IOC

Now, the use of aluminium as energy source in electric vehicles will be possible in India, thanks to the partnership of Hindalco, Phinergy and IOC Phinergy. According to a report on July 18, Aditya Birla’s flagship company Hindalco has signed an MoU with Phinergy, an Israel-based company engaged in metal-air battery technology, and IOC Phinergy, a JV between Phinergy and Indian Oil Corporation, to conduct R&D and start pilot production of aluminium plates for Aluminium-Air batteries. The companies will also recycle the aluminium after the use in batteries.

This partnership is expected to popularise the use of electric vehicles, as the aluminium-air batteries are known to increase the driving range of EVs owing to lightweight and high energy density. In the Aluminium-Air batteries developed by Phinergy, aluminium hydroxide is produced when energy is released after aluminium reacts with oxygen in ambient air.

David Mayer, CEO of Phinergy, is of an opinion that this partnership will lead to the development of the ecosystem to supply aluminium as energy made in India.

Refuelling is also quick with this technology and there’s no need for expensive nationwide charging networks. The aluminium hydroxide produced in these batteries can also be recycled to recover aluminium. So, the use of these batteries in EVs will overall take us one step closer to the transition to zero emission mobility.

Satish Pai, MD, Hindalco Industries Limited, said: “Climate action is integral to our business and our partnership with Phinergy and IOP is a significant step towards decarbonising mobility. The partnership is also a testament to Hindalco’s globally recognised capabilities in innovation and R&D and we are happy to contribute to the development of the Aluminium-Air battery. India has an abundance of aluminium resources and this technology can help enhance the nation’s energy and resource security.”

Sanjeev Gupta, Chairman of IOP, said: “Aluminium is abundantly available in India and its usage as an energy storage medium through this novel technology has the potential to contribute immensely to Atmanirbhar Bharat.”

He further said, “This collaboration will propel India's aspirational journey towards sustainable, affordable and safe energy options.”