The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) recently held an industry meet to foster collaboration and accelerate innovation in Rechargeable Battery Technology (RBT). The event, chaired by MeitY Secretary Shri S. Krishnan, emphasized the government’s commitment to bolstering India’s manufacturing capabilities in battery technology through research, development, and strategic partnerships.
Advancing Local Manufacturing in Battery Technology
As part of its efforts, MeitY has established a state-of-the-art research and development facility, the Centre of Excellence (CoE) on Rechargeable Battery Technology (Pre-cell), located at CMET, Pune. The CoE has been pivotal in developing indigenous manufacturing technologies for lithium-ion, sodium-ion, and lithium-polymer batteries, catering to critical applications in electric vehicles (EVs), mobile devices, and other electronics.
The CoE also focuses on scaling up local machinery for rechargeable battery production, reducing reliance on imports and aligning with India’s vision for self-reliance in critical technologies.
Industry Participation and Key Highlights
The meet drew participation from prominent industry players and associations, including Tata Chemicals, Exide, Ola Electric Mobility, Loom Solar, and ATL Batteries, along with representatives from associations such as ELCINA, IESA, and ICEA. The attendees expressed a keen interest in forging partnerships with the CoE to advance battery technology and support local manufacturing.
Shri Krishnan highlighted the importance of collaboration in driving innovation and commercial relevance, stating, “This industry meet is a significant step forward for technology development, underscoring the need for industry-driven solutions and applied research. Battery technology is a rapidly growing segment, and these partnerships are crucial to fostering innovation and adoption.”
Shri Bhuvnesh Kumar, Additional Secretary at MeitY, further emphasized the role of both entrepreneurs and large industries in advancing MeitY’s initiatives, calling for collective efforts to bring indigenous technologies to the forefront.
MoUs to Accelerate Development
The event marked the signing of three significant Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs):
- Watthour Private Limited: Collaboration on sodium-ion battery technology.
- Ampere Green Material: Partnership for lithium-ion battery advancements.
- Brandwork Technologies Pvt Ltd: Development in lithium-ion technology.
These partnerships are expected to scale up innovation and production in India’s rapidly expanding rechargeable battery sector.
Also read: Andhra Pradesh to Host ₹14,000-Crore Semiconductor Manufacturing Facility
Paving the Way for Sustainable Growth
The meet highlighted India’s focus on industry-driven research and innovation in battery technology. It positions the country as a strong contender in sustainable manufacturing. By using local resources and encouraging industry partnerships, MeitY aims to build a reliable ecosystem for rechargeable battery production. This will serve both domestic and global markets.
The initiative supports India’s goals of advancing clean energy technologies and fostering self-reliance. It also aligns with the nation’s push toward a greener and more sustainable economy.
