The Indian government is planning to transfer a lithium-ion technology developed by the Indian Space Research Organisation’s (ISRO) Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre into the private sector.
The move comes after the Automotive Research Association of India’s (ARAI) successful test of the lithium-ion batteries, which are expected to meet the country’s electric vehicle ambitions.
BBB reported the technology was unveiled in India in January.
According to a government source: “The technology should be transferred to companies in the private or public sector or joint ventures for the commercial production of batteries. Bhel (Bharat Heavy Electricals Ltd, India’s stated-owned power plant equipment maker) is interested, but more companies should be roped in.”
Stirred by the potential market for EVs in India, state-owned firms such as Bhel, Power Grid Corporation of India Limited and National Thermal Power Corporation Limited are looking at new battery businesses opportunities.
UK-based mining firm Vedanta Resources is also looking at developing battery storage solutions as part of its clean energy plans for India, which might potentially have $8 billion’s worth of value for the company over the next three years.