The facility, to be commissioned by July 2025, will initially produce 25,000 tonnes of the aluminium foil, which forms the backbone of lithium-ion and sodium-ion cells
Hindalco Industries, a major aluminium producer, has unveiled plans to establish a battery foil manufacturing facility in Sambalpur, Odisha, with an investment of Rs 800 crore to capitalise on the rapidly expanding electric vehicle (EV) market. The facility, expected to be operational by July 2025, will initially produce 25,000 tonnes of aluminium foil crucial for lithium-ion and sodium-ion cells, playing a key role in the EV industry.
The company also aims to significantly enhance its capacity for manufacturing high-quality aluminium foil used in rechargeable batteries. By 2030, the demand for battery-grade aluminium foil in India is anticipated to surge to 40,000 tonnes, primarily driven by the proliferation of gigafactories for advanced cell manufacturing.
Hindalco Industries is strategically investing in battery materials and technologies to contribute to the "Atmanirbhar Bharat" (self-reliant India) initiative. The company's managing director, Satish Pai, emphasised the importance of raw material localization in critical sectors like electric vehicles and battery storage.
In addition to the battery foil mill, Hindalco is working closely with original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to co-develop and manufacture essential components such as battery enclosures, motor housings, busbars, structural and safety components, and lightweight load bodies. These investments signify Hindalco's transition from a metal manufacturer to a provider of high-tech metal solutions.
The Sambalpur project aligns with the government's green initiatives to reduce carbon emissions and foster sustainable growth. The new unit will complement the existing facility at Mouda, Maharashtra, where Hindalco has achieved a technological breakthrough in manufacturing high-quality battery foils. The company's deep expertise in metallurgy, extensive experience in sheet and foil rolling, and access to aluminium metal position it as a significant player in the global supply chain for battery materials.
The Sambalpur factory will be situated alongside a 25-MW solar power plant and can leverage additional solar energy from a 400-KV national grid connection. Hindalco's commitment to R&D will be reflected in the development of new coatings on battery foils to enhance performance by improving adhesion, reducing resistance, and minimising corrosion, providing tailor-made solutions for customers.