When fully complete it will produce about 20 crore battery packs every year, covering nearly 40% of India’s annual requirement of 50 crore packs.
- It was established under the Centre's Electronics Manufacturing Cluster (EMC) scheme.
About Li-ion Battery
- It is a type of rechargeable battery where lithium ions move between a negative electrode (graphite) and a positive electrode (Li transitional metal oxides) through a non-aqueous electrolyte during charging and discharging.
Benefits of Lithium-ion Batteries
- High energy density: At 75-200 Watt-hours /KG, stores more energy compactly, and offers longer cycles between charges.
- Lightweight and Lower Toxic Heavy Metals: Compared to older lead-acid batteries, it is much lighter due to use of less toxic and lightweight Li and carbon electrodes.
- Excellent performance: They provide good cycle stability, efficiency, and reliability, with low self-discharge and generally no memory effect (slow-down due to repeated charging).
Challenges
- Supply Chain Vulnerability: E.g. China controls half of global Li production and 70% of Li-ion battery production.
- India imported Li-ion batteries worth US$ 1.2 billion (2018-2022).
- Safety hazards: They contain a flammableelectrolyte, which can lead to explosions if manhandled.
- Environmental impact: E.g., Lithium mining is water-intensive (Apprx. 2,000 tonnes per tonne of lithium).
- Lack of Recycling Units exacerbates the issue of safe disposal.
About EMC Scheme
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