Hindalco, the metal division of the Aditya Birla Group, 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 Indian Oil Corporation, to develop aluminium-air batteries for electric vehicles (EVs).
According to the MOU, Phinergy and IOP will work exclusively with Hindalco in India on R&D and pilot manufacturing of aluminium plates for Aluminium-air batteries, as well as recycling of aluminium once these batteries have been used.
Phinergy's Aluminium-Air battery generates energy when aluminium combines with oxygen in ambient air to form aluminium hydroxide.
Aluminium-air batteries considerably extend the range of electric vehicles due to its low weight and high energy density. In addition, it eliminates the need for costly nationwide charging networks, according to the press release. Aluminium-air batteries are anticipated to facilitate EV adoption and expedite the transition to zero-emission mobility.
India's top vehicle makers are currently evaluating the technology. Aluminium hydroxide in the battery may be recycled to recover aluminium, which is an added benefit "said the press release.
Anat Bernstein-Reich, Chairperson of the Israel-India Chamber of Commerce and Chief Executive Officer of BDO Israel-India Investment Banking, who played a key role in bringing the partners together, told PTI, "This year we celebrate 30 years of diplomatic relations. In addition, the FTA (Free Trade Agreement) between our two countries will soon expire. Such a relationship is the epitome of combining the best of both civilizations for the good of humanity and a sustainable future," she stated. Anat Bernstein-Reich represents the Aditya Birla Group's innovation department in Israel.
"Climate action is fundamental to our business, and our relationship with Phinergy and IOP is a major step in decarbonizing mobility. The relationship is also a testament to Hindalco's internationally renowned innovation and research and development capabilities, and we are pleased to contribute to the development of the Aluminium-Air battery," Satish Pai, Managing Director of Hindalco Industries Limited was cited as saying.
David Mayer, the CEO of the revolutionary Israeli cleantech company, stated that the batteries will help the clean energy revolution in India. "The partnership with Hindalco, a global leader in the aluminium industry, is a major step in the deployment of Aluminium-Air batteries in India, and we are confident that this collaboration will significantly enhance the development of an ecosystem enabling the supply of 'aluminium as energy' made in India," Phinergy's chief executive officer emphasised.
Sanjeev Gupta, chairman of IOP, stated that IOP was founded with the intention of commercialising and producing Aluminium-Air energy systems in India in order to enhance the country's energy security.
"Aluminium is abundant in India, and its use as an energy storage medium through this innovative technology has the potential to significantly contribute to AtmanirbharBharat," he said.
According to a report by the German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, and Nuclear Safety and NITI Aayog, the EV industry, which would be the key market segment for Aluminium-Air batteries, is anticipated to reach cumulative sales of 80 million units by 2030.
Aluminium-Air batteries offer a viable alternative to other battery chemistries and will increase domestic battery production to meet India's rising demand for energy storage.
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