technology and tech - In a significant development for the global energy storage sector, Indian deep-tech startup Offgrid Energy Labs has secured $15 million in Series A funding to advance its groundbreaking zinc-bromine b...
attery technology. The funding round, led by Archean Chemicals, marks a crucial step forward in diversifying the battery storage landscape beyond lithium-ion dominance.
The world faces an unprecedented challenge in energy storage as renewable energy adoption accelerates. While lithium-ion batteries have become the de facto standard, they come with significant limitations: volatile supply chains, heavy dependence on Chinese manufacturing, relatively short lifespans, and safety concerns. These issues have become particularly acute as countries like India aim to dramatically scale their renewable energy capacity.
Offgrid's proprietary ZincGel technology represents a innovative approach to these challenges. The system delivers 80-90% of the energy efficiency of conventional lithium batteries while offering several distinct advantages:
- Longer lifespan (approximately twice that of lithium-ion batteries)
- Enhanced safety through water-based electrolytes
- Capability for extended discharge periods (6-12 hours)
- Significantly lower production costs
- Reduced carbon footprint in manufacturing
The startup has strategically positioned itself to target industries with net-zero goals and those requiring reliable energy storage solutions. Early adopters include major players like Shell and Tata Power, with European energy giant Enel Group in discussions for custom applications.
Offgrid's immediate plans include establishing a 10-megawatt-hour demonstration facility in the UK by Q1 2026, followed by full commercialization. The company's longer-term vision includes developing a gigafactory in India, potentially reshaping the country's energy storage landscape.
The world faces an unprecedented challenge in energy storage as renewable energy adoption accelerates. While lithium-ion batteries have become the de facto standard, they come with significant limitations: volatile supply chains, heavy dependence on Chinese manufacturing, relatively short lifespans, and safety concerns. These issues have become particularly acute as countries like India aim to dramatically scale their renewable energy capacity.
Offgrid's proprietary ZincGel technology represents a innovative approach to these challenges. The system delivers 80-90% of the energy efficiency of conventional lithium batteries while offering several distinct advantages:
- Longer lifespan (approximately twice that of lithium-ion batteries)
- Enhanced safety through water-based electrolytes
- Capability for extended discharge periods (6-12 hours)
- Significantly lower production costs
- Reduced carbon footprint in manufacturing
The startup has strategically positioned itself to target industries with net-zero goals and those requiring reliable energy storage solutions. Early adopters include major players like Shell and Tata Power, with European energy giant Enel Group in discussions for custom applications.
Offgrid's immediate plans include establishing a 10-megawatt-hour demonstration facility in the UK by Q1 2026, followed by full commercialization. The company's longer-term vision includes developing a gigafactory in India, potentially reshaping the country's energy storage landscape.