Between April and November 2022, India imported lithium-ion batteries amounting to 5,486.18 kWh for USD 1.8bn. This compares to the 2021-22 period when 6,167.68 lakh units were imported for USD 1.83bn. This rise in imports underscores the country’s growing demand for electric vehicles and eco-friendly energy solutions.
Shyam Metalics and Energy Limited, a leading metal manufacturer, revealed its foray into the energy storage sector by producing battery-grade Aluminum foil, a vital component for Lithium-ion cells, on Monday.
The Kolkata-based firm, which is a notable producer and exporter of Aluminum foil for assorted industrial uses, boasts an annual production capacity of 20,000 tons. Manufacturing 1GWh (Gigawatt-hour) of LFP (Lithium Iron Phosphate) cells, used in a broad range of electric vehicles and energy storage systems, necessitates 350 tons of aluminium foil of consistently high purity and uniform thickness. This foil functions as a positive (cathode) current collector. However, the requirement doubles for Sodium-ion batteries since both the positive and negative current collectors are anticipated to utilize aluminium foils.
Shyam Metalics’ bespoke battery aluminium foil, with a thickness ranging from 12-micron to 20-micron, has undergone tests and received validation from independent laboratories, as confirmed by the company.
Between April and November 2022, India’s imports of lithium-ion batteries totalled 5,486.18 kWh, costing USD 1.8bn. This is compared to the 2021-22 period, where 6,167.68 lakh units were imported at an expenditure of USD 1.83bn. This data points to an uptick in imports, reflecting the burgeoning demand for electric vehicles and sustainable energy alternatives.
Brij Bhushan Agarwal, the Vice Chairman and Managing Director, expressed enthusiasm about their venture into battery foil production. He emphasized their commitment to back the government in its drive to promote domestic battery cell manufacturing. He further opined that this move would accelerate India’s energy evolution and align with the government’s vision to localize battery cell production.
