IESA to Host International Summit on Lithium-Ion Batteries in New Delhi!

The India Energy Storage Alliance (IESA) is set to host a comprehensive International Summit on Lithium-Ion Batteries on October 4, 2024, at the India International Centre (IIC) in New Delhi. This event aims to discuss the future roadmap for India’s burgeoning lithium-ion battery segment, particularly in light of the government’s ambitious ACC-PLI scheme, which supports the development of 40 GWh of lithium-ion cell production capacity. The summit will address the critical role of lithium-ion battery technology in India’s transition toward clean transportation, green energy, and achieving net-zero emissions.

Expected to draw participation from key players in the industry, the summit will include representatives from the Ministry of Heavy Industries, the Ministry of Mines, the Ministry of Science and Technology, and the Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI). Notable companies such as AMARA RAJA, Exide Energy, Reliance, TATA Agratas, JSW Energy, and Ola Electric are also anticipated to participate, particularly potential giga factories pivotal to the lithium-ion battery ecosystem.

As one of the world’s leading importers of lithium-ion batteries, India is actively embracing advanced energy storage technologies. In FY 2023 alone, the country imported lithium-ion batteries worth $3.59 billion from nations such as China, South Korea, Vietnam, and Japan. With over 100 lithium battery pack manufacturing companies operating in the country, India is positioning itself to cater to the electric vehicle (EV), power electronics, and stationary storage sectors.

India is projecting a cumulative demand for 600-900 GWh of lithium batteries by 2032. To meet these demands, the nation is focusing on developing appropriate safety standards that take into account application, temperature, and environmental conditions. Various companies have already set up lithium battery recycling facilities in India, and several national laboratories and start-ups are engaged in developing advanced lithium technologies, including lithium sulfur and solid-state batteries.

Debi Prasad Dash, President of IESA, remarked, “The lithium-ion battery industry is crucial to India’s clean energy goals. This summit will help shape the roadmap for the country’s transition to sustainable energy, presenting a unique opportunity for Indian and global players to collaborate and innovate. With the projected demand and advancements in technology, now is the right time for increased investment and focus on scaling lithium-ion battery manufacturing in India.” Over 300 industry leaders are expected to gather at the event to discuss various topics, including new research and development, innovation, manufacturing, supply chains, raw materials, stationary energy storage, and electric mobility.

The summit will also cover the current status of India’s giga factories, the development of critical minerals essential for lithium, cathodes, anodes, and electrolytes, as well as safety, certification, and testing requirements for lithium-ion batteries. Furthermore, industry experts from various countries will share insights on advancements in lithium battery recycling and second-life applications, alongside innovations in lithium-ion-based Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) for the electricity grid and commercial sectors, including the latest in solid-state and lithium-sulfur (Li-S) battery technologies.