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ENERGY STORAGE TECHNOLOGY GREEN OFFERINGS

Rechargion Energy opens sodium-ion cell fabrication CSIR-NIIST transfers bio-tableware, plant leather

pilot plant in Pune tech. to TN co.

Pune-based Rechargion Energy, an CSIR-National Institute for Inter-
offi cial spin-off fi rm of CSIR-National disciplinary Science and Technology
Chemical Laboratory (NCL), recently (CSIR-NIIST) has inked a pact with
inaugurated a sodium-ion cell fabrication Tamil Nadu-based Aquagri Processing
pilot plant. The unit was inaugurated by Pvt. Ltd. for transferring the technology
Padma Vibhushan Dr. R. A. Mashelkar; it developed for manufacturing multi-
Mr. Reji Mathai, Director of Automotive use biodegradable tableware and plant
Research Association of India (ARAI) leather alternatives from seaweed and
and Dr. Ashish Lele, Director, CSIR- chitosan.
National Chemical Laboratory.
The technology was developed by a
Rechargion Energy is focusing on CSIR NIIST team led by Dr. Anjineyulu
developing a safer, sustainable and Kothakota, Scientist, CSIR-NIIST.
commercially viable alternative to According to Dr. Anandharama- degradable products and plant leather
lithium batteries. Researchers at the Aquagri Processing is a venture in krishnan, this collaboration brings to- alternatives will help increase the income
fi rm have been working on a variety of work in the country is that the electrode ability, and eco-friendliness,” Rechargion which Indian Farmers Fertiliser Co- gether NIIST’s expertise in developing of farmers in coastal regions through
energy storage technologies and have material is patented by Rechargion Energy said in a social media post. operative (IFFCO), one of the world’s cutting-edge technologies with Aquagri’s value addition.
developed a laboratory-scale prototype Energy and the anode material used by Anticipating the potential, the Union Minis- leading agri-sector co-operatives, has experience in seaweed cultivation
rechargeable battery with indigenous the researchers is a polymer, making try of Heavy Industries, Indo-US Sci- 50% stake through its wholly-owned and processing, and IFFCO’s extensive Aquagri Processing will establish a
technology based on patented hard car- these batteries commercially viable. ence and Technology Forum, Tata Pow- subsidiary, IFFCO Bazar Ltd., since agricultural distribution and farmer pilot production facility in Manamadurai,
bon material and sodium compounds. er-backed Social Alpha have funded the 2017. Aquagri is engaged in the pro- connect. Noting that India’s 8,100 km- TN, to manufacture leather alter-
The technology uses sodium, which is “With this cutting-edge facility, we startup to scale up the pilot-level manu- duction of seaweed-based products for long coastline has an Exclusive Eco- natives (vegan leather) crafted from
2
abundantly available and cheaper, un- are poised to lead the charge in sustain- facturing. The fi rm is also supported by use in agriculture, animal husbandry, nomic Zone (EEZ) of 2.17-million km seaweed, chitosan, and carrageenan.
like lithium-ion battery. The novelty in able energy solutions. Our sodium ion ARAI, Venture Centre, Pune, and Rice and food processing. Dr. C. Anandha- (equal to 66% of the mainland area), he This eco-friendly alternative offers a
the NCL-developed sodium-ion bat- cells promise to reshape the future of University, Houston USA, in the pursuit ramakrishnan, Director, CSIR-NIIST, said nearly 30% of human population sustainable and ethical solution for the
teries as compared to other laboratory power storage, offering effi ciency, afford- of market-fi t product. Thiruvananthapuram, and Mr. Tanmaye is one way or another, dependent on leather industry, Mr. Seth said. Multi-use
Seth, Director, Aquagri Processing, the rich exploitable coastal and marine biodegradable tableware is also made
GREEN TRANSITIONS exchanged the MoU at a function resources. According to him, utilisa- from seaweed-based materials and
held recently on its campus at CSIR- tion of sea waste (seaweed and chitin) is a plastic-free and environmentally
Indian Analytical Congress held at CSIR-IIP NIIST. for the production of multi-use bio- friendly option for consumers.

The 3rd Indian Analytical Congress of the newly developed educational in- ‘Carbon capture utilisation and sequestra-
(IAC) was inaugurated on June 5 at frastructure in Ladakh. He also show- tion and its relevance to net zero targets COAL GASIFICATION
the Council of Scientifi c and Industrial cased the advanced research facilities in India. CSIR’s initiative and thematic Technology bids sought for coal to ammonium nitrate
Research-Indian Institute of Petroleum recently developed at Ladakh Univer- achievements in Energy and Energy De-
(CSIR-IIP) in Dehradun. The three-day sity through funds obtained from De- vices (EED) were showcased through plant in Odisha
international conference cum exhibi- partment of Science and Technology the ‘One Week One Theme’ (OWOT)
tion was jointly organised by CSIR-IIP (DST), Department of Biotechnology programme. The EED session focused on Projects & Development India Ltd. PDIL has been appointed by Bharat LSTK contractor include supply of
and the Indian Society of Analytical (DBT), and other funding agencies. conventional energy sources, renewable (PDIL), and engineering, procurement Coal Gasifi cation and Chemicals Ltd., Process License, Basic Design, De-
Scientists (ISAS)-Delhi Chapter, on the and non-conventional energy/energy and construction company, has invited a joint venture company of Coal India tailed Engineering, Procurement,
theme ‘Role of Science and Technology Dr. Harinder Singh Bisht, Director, systems, and energy storage and devices. eligible bidders to submit bids on a Lump- Ltd. (CIL) and Bharat Heavy Electri- Supply, Fabrication, Installation, Me-
in Green Transitions.’ CSIR-IIP, briefed about the importance sum Turnkey (LSTK) basis for a Syngas cals Ltd. (BHEL), for the preparation of chanical Completion, Pre-Commis-
and signifi cance of new advanced analy- The fi ve technical sessions com- Purifi cation Plant, as part of a high ash a Detailed Fesibility Report (DFR) for sioning, Commissioning, Sustained
Addressing the inaugural session, tical facilities and their role in the energy prised of invited talks by eminent coal to ammonium nitrate plant, planned setting up the ammonium nitrate plant. Load Test Run, Performance Guaran-
Prof. S. K. Mehta, Vice-Chancellor, transition. Prof. Rajnish Kumar, Professor, speakers, presentations by researchers, at Lakhanpur area of Mahanadi Coal- tee Test Run, and 120 months O&M
Ladakh University, presented an overview IIT Madras, delivered a plenary talk on and special and plenary sessions. fi elds Ltd., Jharsuguda district, Odisha. The scope of work selection of services.

138 Chemical Weekly June 18, 2024 Chemical Weekly June 18, 2024 139

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