In a step towards self-reliance to meet defence requirements and to cut the dependence on imports, especially from China, India is all set to produce its first lithium ion (Li-ion) battery.
The Central Electrochemical Research Institute (CECRI), Karaikudi in Tamil Nadu , has set up the first indigenous Li-ion fabrication facility that has applications in defence, solar powered devices, railways and other high end usages. The facility is to start industrial level production in two months.
"It's the first time that we will have our own technology and potential to produce Li-ion batteries domestically .This would help in cutting costs as well as our dependence on the foreign market," professor Vijayamohan K Pillai, CECRI director, said. CECRI is part of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR).
"In two months, we will attain capacity to produce at least 100 batteries in a day at our lab," he added.
Over 33 billion Li-ion batteries are used globally. China, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan and some Western co untries are the major manufacturers of lithium ion batteries. India has one billion users of lithium ion batteries, mostly used in mobiles and laptops. CECRI has also invited investors for mass production.
According to experts, mass production of indigenous Li-ion batteries would reduce the cost manifold as compared to the imported batteries. "Imported batteries are very expensive. The do mestic programme can bring the price down." For now, 100% of Li-ion batteries or cells are imported.
"Some investors have already shown interest. A Canada-based NRI is willing to install a plant in India. On June 3, we have (former DRDO chief) V K Saraswat visiting our fabrication facility . His visit gives hope for good investments," Pillai said.
The CECRI technology includes solution for a 400 mAh (milliampere hour) battery to power solar lanterns.
"The application is also for railway lighting and signalling, for which Indian Railway majorly uses lead acid batteries which are polluting. Railways also use Li-ion batteries which are imported and expensive," Pillai said.
He added that even if India produces its own Li-ion batteries for laptops and mobiles, "we will not be able to justify the cost". Beside Li-ion, to cope with India's ambitious clean energy programme, CECRI is working on indigenous "zinc bromide redox flow battery", with target capacity of 500 Watts.
(This news story is from The Times of India )
