DST Backs Indigenous Energy Storage Tech: Bio-Waste-Based Sodium-Ion Innovation Gets TDB Funding

In a significant boost to India's clean energy ambitions and battery self-reliance, the Technology Development Board (TDB) under the Department of Science & Technology (DST) has extended financial assistance to Indigenous Energy Storage Technologies Pvt. Ltd., Roorkee, for commercialising cutting-edge bio-waste-derived hard carbon for sodium-ion batteries (SIBs).

The project marks a critical step in developing next-generation, sustainable, and cost-effective energy storage solutions, while reducing dependence on imported lithium-based technologies.

Turning Agricultural Waste into Advanced Battery Materials

At the core of the initiative is the conversion of agricultural and bio-waste into high-performance hard carbon, a key anode material for sodium-ion batteries. This approach introduces a circular economy model, transforming waste streams into valuable industrial inputs.

The project aims to establish commercial-scale production capabilities, positioning India as a global contender in advanced battery material manufacturing.

Sodium-Ion Batteries: A Strategic Alternative to Lithium

Sodium-ion battery technology is rapidly gaining global attention as a viable alternative to lithium-ion systems, particularly for applications where cost, safety, and resource availability are critical.

Key application areas include:

• Grid-scale energy storage systems

• UPS and inverter solutions

• Solar street lighting

• Low-speed electric mobility such as e-rickshaws, e-scooters, and e-cycles

Unlike lithium, sodium is abundantly available and widely distributed, significantly reducing supply chain vulnerabilities and geopolitical risks.

Why Hard Carbon Matters

The innovation lies in the use of hard carbon, a specialised carbon material that offers superior performance in sodium-ion batteries:

• High initial coulombic efficiency

• Stable long-term cycling performance

• Enhanced energy storage capacity

Unlike conventional graphite, hard carbon maintains a disordered microstructure and porosity even at high temperatures, making it uniquely suited for sodium-ion chemistry.

By using biomass-derived precursors, the project further enhances sustainability while lowering production costs.

Strengthening India's Battery Ecosystem

The initiative directly addresses key challenges in India's energy storage ecosystem:

• Reducing import dependence on lithium and critical minerals

• Building indigenous material capabilities

• Enhancing supply chain resilience

• Promoting sustainable manufacturing practices

With India targeting large-scale renewable energy integration and electric mobility adoption, demand for affordable and scalable battery solutions is expected to surge.

Government Push for Clean Energy Innovation

Shri Rajesh Kumar Pathak, Secretary, TDB, подчеркнул the strategic importance of such initiatives:

"Development of alternative energy storage technologies is critical for India's clean energy transition. Indigenous innovation, especially using waste-to-value approaches, is key to building a resilient and self-reliant battery ecosystem."

The project aligns with national priorities such as Aatmanirbhar Bharat, Net Zero commitments, and energy transition goals.

Industry Readiness and Commercialisation

With TDB's financial support, Indigenous Energy Storage Technologies Pvt. Ltd. will:

• Scale up production infrastructure

• Accelerate commercialisation of hard carbon materials

• Develop tailored solutions for diverse battery applications

The company emphasized that the initiative will help deliver affordable, scalable, and sustainable battery materials, strengthening India's competitiveness in the global energy storage market.

A Step Towards Future-Ready Energy Storage

As global demand shifts towards safer, cheaper, and sustainable battery technologies, sodium-ion systems are emerging as a strong contender—especially for large-scale and low-cost applications.

This project not only positions India at the forefront of next-generation battery innovation but also demonstrates how science, sustainability, and policy support can converge to drive transformative change.