DRDO chief calls for indigenous production of Li-ion batteries

Visakhapatnam: Science and Technological Laboratory (NSTL), Visakhapatnam, organised a one-day national workshop on 'Indigenous Li-ion Batteries for Special Applications' on Saturday in the city.

Inaugurating the workshop, decretary, Defence Research and Developmen and Chairman DRDO S Christopher commended the organisers for facilitating discussion on a very relevant topic related to energy and called for innovation in the vital area of research.

He expressed confidence that the workshop would generate a roadmap towards building a strong manufacturing base for Li-ion batteries in the country in line with the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi under the ‘Make in India’ programme.
He exhorted the delegates and the industry, Research and Development labs and academia to synergise their efforts to foster indigenous manufacturing of lithium ion batteries.

Speaking on the occasion, Director General (Naval Systems and Materials), DRDO Samir V Kamat said that the workshop was both timely and apt to discuss on the way ahead for establishing indigenous production base for lithium ion batteries in the country.

Delivering the welcome address, Director of NSTL OR Nandagopan expressed hope that the workshop would provide an opportunity to scientists of DRDO Labs across the country and participant industries and academia to deliberate on the challenges associated with development of Li-ion battery technologies for underwater applications–specifically for submarines and autonomous underwater vehicles.

Workshop convener and associate director of NSTL A Srinivas Kumar presented details of the workshop. He stated that resource persons of repute would throw light on the vast spectrum of technologies and challenges associated with indigenous lithium-ion battery development.

The Flag Officer Submarines, Eastern Naval Command, Rear Admiral, Vennam Srinivas, in his address highlighted the requirement of Lithium-ion batteries to replace existing lead acid batteries in submarines in order to increase the submerged time and improve operational efficiency. He opined that lithium-ion batteries would become a game-changer in underwater warfare.

Many eminent scientists and researchers from ISRO, DRDO, ARCI, IISc, IITs, CSIR laboratories, Navy, various universities and engineering colleges attended the workshop. An exhibition showcasing the capabilities of industries associated with lithium ion batteries was also organised.