Offgrid Energy Labs Launches UK’s Ist ZincGel® Facility, Showcasing India’s Deep‑Tech Battery Innovation

• Launch of the UK’s first Dedicated ZincGel® Long-Duration Battery Manufacturing Facility. 
• Demonstrates global commercialisation of Indian deep-tech innovation in advanced energy storage. 
• Supports growing global demand for long-duration storage amid accelerating renewable energy adoption. 
• Anchors UK–India collaboration in advanced battery manufacturing and materials innovation. 
• Establishes a foundation for scaling future giga-factory development and large-scale battery manufacturing

Offgrid Energy Labs, an IP-led battery innovation company founded in India, has announced the launch of its first ZincGel® pilot manufacturing facility — an initial 10 MWh demonstration line — in Hook, Hampshire, United Kingdom on 7 July 2026. The facility will serve as the company's first commercial pilot manufacturing line, marking the transition of the India-developed energy storage technology from laboratory innovation to international-scale production.

The launch comes at a pivotal moment for India's energy transition. Having already achieved 50% of installed electricity capacity from non-fossil sources ahead of schedule, India is now focused on building the storage infrastructure required to support its long-term target of 500 GW of non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030. The Central Electricity Authority estimates that the country's energy storage requirement will reach 411.4 GWh by 2031-32, including more than 236 GWh from battery energy storage systems, highlighting the growing need for scalable, safe and cost-effective storage technologies.

Originally conceptualised and developed within India's deep-science ecosystem, Offgrid's proprietary ZincGel® platform is built on zinc-bromine chemistry designed for manufacturability, scalability, and commercial viability from inception. Unlike lithium-ion systems, ZincGel® is non-flammable — eliminating the thermal-runaway failure mechanism behind lithium-ion battery fires — and is engineered to deliver 100% depth of discharge every day across a 6-to-16-hour discharge range and a 20-year operating life. It has been specifically designed for infrastructure-scale use cases such as renewable integration, peak-load management, microgrids, and industrial backup resilience.

Commenting on the launch, Rishi Srivastava, Co-founder, Offgrid Energy Labs, said, “The launch of our UK manufacturing facility represents an important milestone not only for Offgrid, but for the global commercialisation of Indian deep-tech innovation. We are launching at a pivotal moment for the India UK relationship as the CETA takes effect from the 15th of July. As the world scales renewable energy deployment and strengthens its focus on energy security and supply-chain resilience, there is an increasing need for next-generation storage technologies that are safe, scalable and built for long-duration applications. We believe ZincGel® can play a meaningful role in supporting both India's and the world's energy transition. By establishing our first manufacturing capability in the UK, we are creating a foundation to serve global markets while demonstrating how India-origin innovation can contribute to solving some of the world's most pressing energy challenges around energy sovereignty, industrial resilience and decarbonisation.”

Coming up in the backdrop of the India-UK CETA, which also makes it easier for the movement of professional talent between the countries, the facility also reflects the growing strategic importance of diversifying global battery supply chains beyond lithium. As countries seek to strengthen energy security and reduce dependence on concentrated critical mineral ecosystems, alternative battery technologies are gaining increased attention. For India, which is simultaneously expanding renewable energy deployment and building domestic advanced manufacturing capability, the development of non-lithium storage platforms represents an important opportunity to enhance technological self-reliance and strengthen long-term energy sovereignty.

The ZincGel® battery technology benefits from secure bromine supply relationships and industrial backing from Archean Chemical Industries, India's largest bromine exporter with established global supply capabilities. In parallel, Offgrid is supported by Ankur Capital, a science-led venture fund recognised for backing deep-technology sustainability ventures.

Tejas Kusurkar, Co-founder, Offgrid Energy Labs, added, “The energy transition requires a portfolio of battery chemistries designed for different applications. While existing technology has been instrumental in enabling mobility and short-duration storage, long-duration stationary applications demand technologies that prioritise safety, deep discharge capability, longevity, and supply-chain resilience. ZincGel® is built on zinc-bromine chemistry, using abundant and widely available materials to deliver safe, non-flammable, long-duration storage for grid-scale applications. As renewable energy penetration increases, alternative battery chemistries such as zinc-based systems will play an increasingly important role in delivering reliable, cost-effective and resilient energy storage.”

The establishment of UK manufacturing marks the first step in Offgrid's broader vision of creating globally competitive battery technologies originating from India. As countries accelerate renewable energy deployment and seek resilient storage solutions, the company aims to build a globally distributed manufacturing footprint anchored by Indian innovation, intellectual property and materials expertise. By combining India-origin deep-tech development with international manufacturing capability, Offgrid seeks to contribute to energy security, industrial resilience and the global transition toward low-carbon power systems.

About Offgrid Energy Labs

Offgrid Energy Labs leads in IP-driven battery innovation for a decarbonised future, developing ZincGel® — a patented zinc-bromine platform that offers safer, sustainable, scalable, and commercially viable energy storage for global markets, including India. The company is registered in India, UK, and USA and its technology is protected by more than 60 patents filed across the UK, EU, India and the United States. Offgrid uses common, non-toxic materials, robust zinc chemistry, and a flexible ZincGel® platform tailored for energy storage needs. Supported by investors like Shell Ventures, Ankur Capital, and Archean Chemical Industries, Offgrid is setting new standards in clean battery technology and paving the way for a renewable-first energy infrastructure.

GEON Powers India’s Grid: 2.88 GWh Battery Storage at Khavda Goes Live in Record 5 Months

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GEON, the future technologies division of Kabra Extrusiontechnik Ltd, has successfully completed the integration and commissioning of a 2.88 GWh Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) at Khavda, Gujarat, within five months. This project is one of the largest utility-scale BESS deployments in India and is now fully commercially operational.

The installation is part of the growing renewable energy infrastructure at Khavda, which is emerging as one of India's key clean energy hubs. Geon's scope covered system integration, execution, testing, and commissioning — including the integration of Power Conditioning Systems (PCS), transformers, and advanced energy management systems (EMS).

Anand Kabra, Chairman and Managing Director at Geon – Green Energy ON, said – The Khavda project is a meaningful marker of how quickly energy storage infrastructure is scaling in India. Battery storage is no longer a supporting technology — it is fast becoming central to how we manage and deliver clean power at grid scale. We are proud to have delivered this project on time and look forward to building on this momentum.

Saurabh Jain, CEO – Energy Storage, Geon, added – GEON successfully delivered the 2.88 GWh BESS Khavda project as nodal agency, completing the entire scope within an impressive timeline of just five months. The achievement reflects strong planning, efficient execution, and seamless coordination between the engineering and on-site project teams. This milestone highlights GEON’s capability in executing large-scale energy storage projects with speed, precision, and high standards of quality. As India's renewable capacity grows, infrastructure like this will be critical to making that capacity reliable and dispatchable.

The project comes amid accelerating investments in battery storage across India, driven by the country's renewable energy targets and the growing need for grid balancing solutions. Geon's long-term strategy includes manufacturing BESS domestically, with plans underway for a gigafactory to support future demand and strengthen India's energy storage ecosystem.

About GEON:

Founded in 2018, GEON (Green Energy ON) is powering India’s clean energy transition with smart and sustainable solutions. The company works across e-mobility, energy storage, and electronics, offering lithium-ion battery packs for two-, three-, and four-wheelers as well as off-road vehicles. Its product portfolio also includes sophisticated storage systems like BESS, inverter batteries, telecom backup, and commercial and industrial solutions. Innovation, safety, and reliability are the strong pillars on which each product at GEON stands, while keeping sustainability and durability as core concerns. Responsible innovation coupled with customer-centric service helps GEON continue to deliver reliable energy systems that address India’s rising demand for future-ready technologies.
For further details, visit:

https://www.geon-energy.com

Researchers Develop New Material That Makes Clean Energy Storage More Compact and Affordable

Researchers at ARCI have developed a spinel nanocomposite phase change material (PCM) that boosts thermal battery efficiency by up to 45%, offering a cost‑effective solution for clean energy storage in concentrated solar power and industrial waste heat recovery systems. This breakthrough, published in Materials Today Chemistry, aligns with India’s Aatma Nirbhar Bharat initiative and global clean energy goals.

Breakthrough in Simple Words

Scientists have found a smart way to make thermal batteries—used to store heat for later—work better and cost less. These batteries save heat from the sun in solar power plants or capture wasted heat from factories, turning it into useful energy.

The ARCI team discovered that mixing just 1% of special spinel nanoparticles into the storage material helps batteries hold 45% more heat.

What This Means

• Smaller tanks are needed to store the same amount of energy
• Lower costs for building and running these systems
• More efficient clean energy for homes, industries, and power plants

This breakthrough makes clean energy storage cheaper, more compact, and more powerful—helping India and the world move closer to reliable renewable energy.

Key Breakthrough

• Institution: International Advanced Research Centre for Powder Metallurgy and New Materials (ARCI), under India’s Department of Science and Technology
• Lead Scientist: Dr. Mani Karthik
• Innovation: Spinel oxide nanoparticles added to PCM via a simple co‑precipitation method
• Impact: Just 1% nanoparticle addition increased specific heat capacity by 45%, enabling more compact and efficient thermal energy storage

Why It Matters

• Concentrated Solar Power (CSP): TES systems are critical for storing solar heat and releasing it when sunlight is unavailable
• Industrial Waste Heat Recovery: Captures and reuses excess heat, reducing energy loss
• Cost Savings: Higher energy density means smaller tanks, less construction material, and lower capital/operational costs. 
• Scalability: The process is cost‑effective and scalable, making it suitable for large‑scale deployment

Global Relevance

• Clean Energy Transition: Supports worldwide efforts to decarbonize power generation. 
• Compact Design: Enables next‑generation thermal batteries that are lighter, cheaper, and more efficient. 
• Indigenous Expertise: Strengthens India’s position in advanced energy materials research while contributing to global sustainability

Comparative Advantages

Feature	Conventional PCM	Spinel Nanocomposite PCM
Specific Heat Capacity	Baseline	+45% increase
Thermal Stability	Moderate	Excellent
Tank Size	Larger	Reduced by ~40%
Cost Efficiency	Higher material & construction costs	Lower capital & operational costs
Scalability	Limited	Scalable, cost‑effective process

Mechanism of Improvement

• Nanoparticle Dispersion: Uniform distribution increases surface area. 
• Stable Spinel Oxide Layer: Forms at the PCM interface, enhancing surface energy
• Result: Higher energy storage per unit mass, improved thermal conductivity, and long‑term stability

Strategic Impact

• India’s Energy Goals: Supports Aatma Nirbhar Bharat by advancing indigenous clean energy technologies. 
• Global Adoption: Potential to revolutionize thermal batteries for CSP plants worldwide. 
• Publication: Materials Today Chemistry (Elsevier), 2026, DOI: 10.1016/j.mtchem.2025.103282

China's Ultra‑Cheap Iron Flow Battery Delivers 6,000 Cycles, Outlasting Costly Lithium‑Ion

Scientists in China have unlocked a major advance in energy storage by improving iron flow batteries, making them last more than 6,000 cycles without losing capacity. This could transform how we store renewable energy like solar and wind power.

According to a paper published in Advanced Energy Materials, researchers at the Chinese Academy of Sciences have developed an alkaline all-iron flow battery capable of more than 6,000 charge-discharge cycles without measurable capacity decay.

This innovation addresses long‑standing issues of reversibility and crossover, making iron‑based flow batteries far more viable for grid‑scale renewable energy storage.

What’s the Problem?

Traditional iron flow batteries suffer from poor electrochemical reversibility, ligand crossover, and active species decomposition, limiting cycle life.  In simple language - 

• Renewable energy is clean but unpredictable — the sun doesn’t always shine, and the wind doesn’t always blow.
• To use renewable energy reliably, we need batteries that can store huge amounts of power for long periods.
• Lithium‑ion batteries dominate today, but they are expensive, rely on scarce materials, and carry fire risks.

The Breakthrough

• Researchers redesigned the anolyte (the liquid inside the battery) to make it more stable.
• They used bulky molecules (high steric hindrance) and added negative charges to block unwanted reactions.
• This clever design prevents the battery from breaking down, allowing it to run smoothly for thousands of cycles.

Performance Highlights

• 6,000+ cycles with no capacity loss.
• 99.4% efficiency in charging and discharging.
• Works even at high current densities, showing strong potential for large‑scale use.

Why It Matters Globally

• Iron is cheap and abundant — far more available than lithium.
• Safer chemistry — no risk of fire or explosion.
• Perfect for grid storage — storing solar and wind energy for homes, cities, and industries.

Comparison: Iron Flow vs Lithium‑Ion

Feature	Alkaline All‑Iron Flow Battery	Lithium‑Ion Battery
Cycle Life	6,000+ cycles (no decay)	1,000–3,000 cycles
Material Cost	Very low (iron abundant)	High (lithium scarce)
Safety	Intrinsically safe, aqueous	Fire/explosion risks
Energy Density	Lower (~40–60 Wh/kg)	Higher (~150–250 Wh/kg)
Best Use Case	Grid‑scale, long‑duration	Portable electronics, EVs

This breakthrough makes iron flow batteries a serious contender for powering the future. They may not replace lithium‑ion in phones or cars, but for large power plants and renewable grids, they could be the affordable, safe, and long‑lasting solution the world needs.

Eveready Opens India’s First Alkaline Battery Plant in Jammu

Eveready Industries India Ltd., the country’s leading battery brand with over 52% market share in the dry cell battery segment, announced the inauguration of India’s only operating alkaline battery facility in Jammu by the Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor (LG) of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, Shri. Manoj Sinha. The state-of-the-art greenfield facility, unveiled in the presence of Mr. Mohit Burman, Promoter and Non-Executive Director, Eveready Industries India Ltd, is in line with the company’s endeavor to support the Government’s ‘Make in India’ vision.

Eveready’s new manufacturing plant, set up with an investment of approximately INR 200 crore, boasts of a robust annual peak production capacity of approximately 360 million alkaline batteries with an annual installed capacity of 456 million. Marking a significant scale-up in the industry’s production capabilities, Eveready’s Jammu facility will give an impetus to India’s domestic manufacturing while catering to the country’s growing demand for high-performance power solutions. Further, the plant will help reduce India’s import dependence, enhance supply chain resilience, and improve margin efficiencies. In addition to this, the facility will help Eveready expand business through white labelling and serve domestic and various international markets. This initiative reinforces Eveready’s ambition to emerge as a global player in the alkaline battery segment.

Speaking on the occasion, Shri Manoj Sinha, the Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor (LG) of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, said, “Today I inaugurated Eveready Industries India Limited’s new industrial unit in Samba. With an investment of Rs. 200 cr, this plant will create local jobs, boost ancillary units, generate opportunities for women, youth & make a significant contribution to economic growth of J&K.”

Eveready’s modern facility will play a crucial role in supporting the company’s expansion in the high-growth alkaline segment while meeting the consumer demand which is driven by increasing adoption of high drain devices across India. By strengthening local manufacturing, generating over 500 direct and indirect employment opportunities at full scale in the Jammu region, the company also aims to contribute to India’s ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ vision in the energy solutions category, while ensuring consistent quality and supply.

Speaking on the inauguration Mr. Anirban Banerjee, CEO, Eveready Industries India Ltd., said, “We thank the Government of Jammu & Kashmir for their support in enabling this landmark development. The commissioning of India’s only operating alkaline battery facility marks a significant milestone not just for Eveready, but for the country’s evolving energy landscape. As consumer demand shifts towards high-performance, power intensive devices, the need for advanced battery technologies has never been greater. This facility strengthens our commitment to building future-ready, premium and long-lasting energy solutions while contributing to India’s vision of self-reliance in manufacturing. We believe this will play a pivotal role in shaping the next phase of growth for the battery category in India.”

With its alkaline portfolio steadily approaching 20% market share, the company aims to further strengthen its presence in the premium battery segment through continued innovation, expanded distribution, and localized manufacturing capabilities.

Mr. Bibek Agarwala, Executive Director & Chief Financial Officer, said, “This project underscores the company’s commitment to value creation and to support the Government's 'Make in India' initiative. With the inauguration of this modern alkaline facility in Jammu, we will be able to benefit from economies of scale and reduce our dependence on imports, leading to improved efficiency in operations. This helps us leverage the demand that is rapidly rising in the alkaline space, which is becoming increasingly important in the battery category while laying a strong emphasis on premiumization.”
Eveready’s new facility has been designed with a strong commitment to the highest standards of safety, environmental stewardship - responsible resource utilization, energy efficiency, and sustainable manufacturing processes. The unit is equipped with a 1 MW rooftop solar installation, an annual generation capacity of approximately 1.2 million units, a rainwater harvesting system of 275 KLD, and is designed to operate on a zero-discharge basis.
Eveready has touched over 250 million households over decades, building deep-rooted consumer trust and category leadership. As the alkaline battery segment continues to witness strong growth and increasing adoption, Eveready is well-positioned to further strengthen its market share through its expanding premium portfolio. In a time marked by a volatile and evolving macroeconomic environment, the company’s focus on innovation, localisation, and scale enables it to stay resilient while continuing to power everyday lives across the country.

With this milestone, Eveready Industries India Ltd., continues to strengthen its leadership in India’s dry cell battery market while pushing forward its innovation-led growth strategy. With seven manufacturing units across India, the company remains focused on expanding its premium portfolio, enhancing manufacturing capabilities, and delivering premium, reliable, high-performance power solutions to meet the evolving needs of consumers across the country.

About Eveready Industries India Ltd.
With a legacy of over 100 years, Eveready Industries India Ltd. (NSE Symbol: EVEREADY, BSE Scrip Code: 531508, CSE Scrip Code 000029) is a household name in batteries and flashlights, with an emerging presence in the consumer and professional lighting space.

Since its inception in 1934, Eveready has been at the forefront of the dry cell battery market, enriching the lives of millions with portable energy and lighting solutions. The company’s iconic catchphrase “Give Me Red” has become synonymous with trust and dependability, resonating with consumers across generations.

In 2023, the company embarked on a transformative journey, marked by the unveiling of its new infinity logo and the empowering tagline “Give Me Power, Give Me Red”. The pivotal year also witnessed the launch of its Ultima Alkaline battery range, designed to cater to the evolving needs of Indian consumers. In April 2026, Eveready has inaugurated India’s only operating alkaline battery facility in Jammu. Alongside Ultima Alkaline, Eveready today offers a comprehensive battery portfolio spanning carbon-zinc, alkaline, rechargeable, and lithium formats, making it India’s No. 1* battery brand.

Beyond batteries, Eveready also offers a wide range of flashlights and torches designed for everyday use, emergencies, and outdoor activities. This includes purpose-driven products such as the Eveready Siren Torch, which combines illumination with a built-in safety alarm, and India’s First Hybrid Torch, which offers dual power options via rechargeable and battery-based formats. Together, through these innovations, the company has emerged as India’s no. 1 flashlight brand.

The company has also strategically expanded its portfolio with an entry into the mobile accessories segment, mosquito racquets, small appliances, electrical accessories, wires, and MCBs to meet the dynamic needs of consumers.

Eveready’s manufacturing facilities are spread across India, namely Matia, Lucknow, Haridwar, Maddur, Kolkata, Jammu and they are equipped with globally benchmarked technology platforms and follow the best-in-class operating standards, with a relentless focus on quality (ISO 9000), environmental best practices (ISO 14000), and rapid adoption of technology. The company has a Research and Development (R&D) facility that is approved by the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR), Ministry of Science and Technology, Government of India.

Website: https://www.eveready.in/

Tata Power RE Inks First BESPA with NHPC for Kerala’s Grid-Scale Battery Storage Project

• This is the Company’s first Battery Energy Storage Purchase Agreement (BESPA)
• Project to support grid stability and energy transition goals in Kerala

Tata Power Renewable Energy Limited (TPREL), a subsidiary of The Tata Power Company Limited, one of India’s leading renewable energy players, has signed its first Battery Energy Storage Purchase Agreement (BESPA) with NHPC Limited (NHPC).

The project, secured under NHPC’s BESS Tranche-I tender through a competitive bidding route for Kerala State Electricity Board Limited being the end user of the Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) asset, involves setting up a 30 MW / 120 MWh battery storage system at the 220 kV substation in Area code, Kerala.

The project will play a vital role in addressing peak power demand, enhancing grid flexibility, and enabling seamless integration of renewable energy in Kerala. It is part of NHPC’s broader initiative to develop 125 MW / 500 MWh of standalone battery storage capacity in the state of Kerala, under a Tariff-Based Competitive Bidding framework supported by Viability Gap Funding.

The initiative supports the Government of India’s goal of achieving 500 GW of non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030. Implemented under Ministry of Power guidelines, the project will operate under a 12-year BESPA. The project is slated for commissioning within 15 months, positioning storage as a key enabler of round-the-clock renewable power and grid resilience.

In addition to this upcoming project, TPREL is already operating a Solar and BESS project in Rajnandgaon, Chhattisgarh. This project comprises a 100 MW solar photovoltaic plant integrated with a 120 MWh utility-scale BESS, developed under an EPC contract awarded by the Solar Energy Corporation of India Limited.

The project with NHPC marks TPREL’s first win in the standalone BESS segment, reinforcing its commitment to delivering cutting-edge, dispatchable, and sustainable energy solutions. With this addition, TPREL’s total renewable capacity now stands at approximately 10.9 GW, including 5.6 GW of operational projects, comprising 4.6 GW of solar and 1 GW of wind, and 5.3 GW under various stages of development.