Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC), a part of Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), has invited applications regarding the Request for Qualification (RFQ) to transfer its in-house developed Li-ion cell technology.

The renowned centre for technological research and innovation now intends to transfer its technology to competent Indian industries and start-ups so that they can establish Li-ion cell production facilities in the country. The technological know-how will be offered on a non-exclusive basis.

VSSC will shortlist the eligible industries or start-ups through an open evaluation process. The technology can be applied across the entire spectrum of power storage requirements, for example – electronic gadgets, telecommunication, industrial applications, aerospace etc.

Last date for registration of pre-application conference is June 28, 2018. August 13, 2018 is the last date for the submission of RFQ and it will be opened the next day.

Just a few days ago, the Central Electro Chemical Research Institute (CECRI), which comes under the Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR) and RAASI Solar Power Pvt Ltd signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) for the transfer of technology for India’s first Li-ion battery project. The Raasi Group will soon set up a manufacturing unit in Krishnagiri, located in the state of Tamil Nadu.

If Li-ion battery manufacturing is developed and supported when the sector is in a relatively nascent stage and demand is low. It will prove to be beneficial for the industry in the long run. For any EV, the battery comprises a major share of the cost. If the batteries are indigenously produced, the costs are expected to dip, making EVs affordable to a larger population.

The government is doing its part to promote more widespread adoption of EVs. In November, it announced plans to provide up to ₹1.05 billion (~$16.2 million) in grant funding for the purchase of EVs to be used for mass transportation. That funding is being made available through a pilot project under the Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of (Hybrid and) Electric Vehicles in India (FAME) program.

Recently, the Minister for Power, R.K. Singh, chaired a meeting with battery manufacturers in New Delhi to discuss the creation of an ecosystem for incentivizing battery manufacturing in India. Officials from ISRO were also present for the meeting.

This initiative will help India’s Zero Emission Policy and accelerate the development of indigenous electric vehicle industry.

As reported previously by Mercom, India is targeting the deployment of five to seven million electric vehicles in the country by the year 2020 under the National Electric Mobility Mission Plan (NEMMP) 2020. The production of these batteries in the country will also help bolster solar, wind and hybrid projects through cheaper BESS systems.

Image credit: By Drishti Shah [CC BY-SA 3.0], from Wikimedia Commons