Hindalco Partners With Israel's Phinergy To Develop Aluminium - Air Batteries, To Boost India's Electric Mobility

Hindalco Industries Limited has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Phinergy, a leading Israel-based pioneer in metal-air battery technology, and IOC Phinergy Private Limited (IOP) - a joint venture between Phinergy and India's leading energy PSU Indian Oil Corporation.

As per the MoU, Phinergy and IOP will partner exclusively with Hindalco in India on R&D and pilot production of aluminium plates for Aluminium-Air batteries, and recycling of aluminium, after using these batteries.

Hindalco Industries Limited is the metals flagship company of the Aditya Birla Group. A USD 26 billion metals powerhouse, Hindalco is the world's largest aluminium company by revenue.

Phinergy is an innovative cleantech company based in Israel, developing breakthrough clean energy systems based on its patented metal-air technology. This technology enables energy generation by combining oxygen from ambient air with metals, specifically aluminium and zinc.

The applications of Phinergy's technology include:

• Energy backup for critical sites.

• Range extension for electric vehicles.

• Use as renewable energy storage.

In the Aluminium-Air battery, developed by Phinergy, energy is released when aluminium reacts with oxygen in ambient air to produce aluminium hydroxide.

Due to its lightweight and high energy density, an Aluminium-Air battery significantly increases the driving range of Electric Vehicles. It also enables quick refuelling and eliminates the need for expensive nationwide charging networks.

"Aluminium-air batteries are expected to make EV adoption more convenient, and accelerate the transition to zero emission mobility. An added benefit is that aluminium hydroxide in the battery can be recycled to recover aluminium. The leading automobile manufacturers in India are currently testing the technology," Hindalco Industries said.

Regarding the partnership, 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. India has an abundance of aluminium resources and this technology can help enhance the nation's energy and resource security."

"IOP was incorporated with the objective of commercialisation and manufacturing of Aluminium-Air energy systems in India to strengthen India's energy security. 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," Sanjeev Gupta, Chairman, IOP, said.

According to a joint report by the German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety, and NITI Aayog, the EV market, which would be the primary segment for Aluminium-Air batteries, is projected to achieve cumulative sales of 80 million units by 2030.

The Aluminium-Air batteries are expected to offer a viable alternative to other battery chemistries. They will boost the domestic manufacturing of batteries to meet India's growing demand for energy storage.