Recycling Lithium is Essential for India's Self-Reliance in Battery Manufacturing, Says Official

India has the potential to achieve self-sufficiency in cell manufacturing if lithium is retained domestically through recycling and reuse in batteries, according to an official statement. At the fourth India Battery Manufacturing & Supply Chain Summit (IBMSCS), Vijay Mittal, Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Heavy Industries, emphasised that limited lithium resources are hindering sector growth.

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Mittal stressed the importance of recycling due to insufficient lithium resources. He stated, "Ensuring lithium remains within the country through recycling and reuse in batteries could be a significant breakthrough for our self-reliance in cell manufacturing." He shared his experience of visiting a top lithium manufacturer and recycler, noting their ability to produce lithium to the required standards for cell manufacturing.

Battery Manufacturing Ecosystem Support

The India Energy Storage Alliance (IESA) is hosting the fourth IBMSCS on January 15 and 16, 2025, in New Delhi. IESA President Debi Prasad Dash mentioned that the alliance collaborates with over 60 battery and component manufacturers. They have submitted industry requirements to the ministry to create a social incentive programme for battery component manufacturing.

Dash expressed optimism that the forthcoming Budget will introduce a new support scheme for the battery manufacturing ecosystem. The Ministry of Heavy Industries actively seeks input from industry experts to formulate policies that can drive collective efforts. These policies aim to provide necessary support through incentives, technical aid, and research and development.

Policy Development and Industry Goals

The ministry is crafting a concept note to unite policymakers in agreeing on specific schemes supporting component manufacturing. This support will encompass financial systems, policy regulations, and ease of doing business. The IESA is a prominent industry alliance dedicated to advancing energy storage, green hydrogen, and e-mobility technologies in India.

Founded in 2012 by Customized Energy Solutions (CES), IESA envisions making India a global hub for research and development, manufacturing, and adoption of advanced energy storage, e-mobility, and green hydrogen technologies. The alliance's efforts align with India's ambitious goals in these sectors.

The Ministry of Heavy Industries' initiatives aim to catalyse industry growth by providing incentives and technical assistance. By fostering collaboration among stakeholders, these efforts seek to enhance India's capabilities in battery manufacturing and related technologies.