Business EconomyPosted at: Dec 12 2025 2:17AM


Hyd: Sodium-Ion batteries are India’s next big opportunity: DRDO Ex-Chairman

Hyderabad, Dec 11 (UNI) Defence Research and Developmennt Organisation (DRDO) former Chairman and Scientific Adviser to the Defence Ministeer, G Satheesh Reddy on Thursday emphasized the growing importance of sodium-ion batteries and urged Indian industry players to accelerate their entry into cell manufacturing.
Addressing the gathering after launching India’s First Sodium-Ion energy Storage systems developed by Hyderabad-based Naxion Energy, Satheesh Reddy, a senior energy-technology expert , said the sector is poised for significant growth due to India’s abundant raw material availability and the relative ease of manufacturing.
He recalled leading a national initiative that brought together researchers from IIT Madras, IIT Bombay, IIT Patna and several other institutions, supporting projects across a range of chemistries including lithium-ion, lithium-polymer, lithium-sulphur, lithium-air, sodium-ion and magnesium-ion. The initiative also involved collaborations with companies specializing in high-energy batteries for naval and missile applications.
Highlighting recent developments, the expert noted that TCG Group in Kolkata has successfully produced India’s first sodium-ion cell.
He also revealed that a lithium-sulphur battery plant may soon be established in Hyderabad, with discussions already underway.
According to him, sodium-ion technology offers India a strategic advantage because it avoids the raw-material constraints associated with lithium.
While lithium sourcing still depends heavily on imports from South America and Africa, sodium is readily available domestically and does not involve rare-earth–related challenges, said Satheesh Reddy.
He also pointed out that despite the widespread use of lithium-ion batteries in electric vehicles, very few companies in India currently manufacture lithium cells.
In contrast, he expects sodium-ion cell production to be far more accessible and scalable, potentially allowing Indian firms to establish early leadership in the field.
The expert encouraged entrepreneurs to swiftly enter cell manufacturing, identifying both domestic and export markets as high-growth opportunities.
He also assured continued support, including guidance and connections within India’s battery research community.
He expressed confidence that sodium-ion batteries represent the next major technological generation after lithium.
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