The Battery Show India 2024 to Focus on Innovations and Sustainability

Informa Markets in India, the leading organiser of B2B exhibitions, is gearing up to launch The Battery Show India alongside the 17th edition of Renewable Energy India (REI) Expo at the India Expo Centre, Greater Noida, Delhi-NCR, from October 3rd to 5th. The Battery Show India will showcase cutting-edge products and the latest advancements in battery technology, providing a platform for industry leaders to discover innovative solutions. This event is pivotal for the rapidly growing Indian Electric Vehicle market, projected to surge from $34.8 billion in 2024 to $120 billion by 2030, with batteries fuelling advancements in both EVs and renewable energy storage.

Marking a significant milestone for the upcoming Battery Show 2024, a Roundtable discussion took place on 11th September 2024 at Taj Connemara, Chennai. The Roundtable brought together distinguished industry leaders including Mr. Sekhar Ramani, Senior Consultant – Energy & Environment (MEASA), Frost & Sullivan; Mr. Harsha Lingam,  Chief Operating Officer (COO), Global Business Inroads; Mr. Ritesh Patterson, General Manager- Performance Plastics and ADFORS, Grindwell Norton Limited (A Saint-Gobain group company); Mr. Shanmuganandam Veerasamy, Chairman - CII Puducherry State council & Founder & CEO, Touch Energy Technologies Pvt Ltd; Mr. Vijay Bawra, Senior Director for Start-up Innovation at T-hub, Government of Telangana, Mr. Ankit Jhakkar, Engagement Manager, Mobility Energy Vertical at Praxis Global Alliance and Mr Rajneesh Khattar, Senior Group Director, Informa Markets in India to share valuable insights on innovative practices and sustainable solutions within the battery industry.

The Battery Show India expo will feature over 250 brands, 75 speakers, and attract more than 15,000 visitors, including professionals and enthusiasts from diverse sectors such as battery manufacturing, components and suppliers, testing and measurement, energy storage, and software. Notable exhibitors include Parker Lord, Saint Gobain, Thermofisher, Ipower Batteries, Rubamin, Siemens, Asahi Kasei, Altmin, Dow Chemicals, Gujarat Fluorochemicals EV, Total Energies, Encore Systems, BASF, Marposs, Arkema and others. The event is supported by prominent Indian and international organizations, including the National Highway of Electric Vehicles (NHEV), Ease of Doing Business, Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW), Global Business Inroads (GBI), Bloomberg NEF, Wood Mackenzie, Yole Group, and Frost & Sullivan.

Mr. Sekhar Ramani, Senior Consultant, Frost & Sullivan, said “India's commitment to achieving 30% electrification by 2030 positions the EV industry as a pivotal player in the transformation of mobility. While the current EV market is still in its early stages, with electric vehicles representing only around 7% of total vehicle sales, the potential for growth is immense over the next 5 to 10 years. Currently, approximately 4 million electric vehicles are on Indian roads, with 95% of them being two and three-wheelers.

The industry's growth depends on government incentives and supportive policies like the EV policy, though challenges such as high technology costs, limited range, and insufficient charging infrastructure persist. The Battery Show India plays a crucial role in addressing these issues by showcasing innovations like advanced battery technologies and faster charging solutions. These developments, coupled with industry collaboration, are essential for accelerating India's EV market growth."

Mr. Ritesh Patterson, General Manager- Performance Plastics and ADFORS, Grindwell Norton Limited (A Saint-Gobain group company) said, “The EV battery landscape is rapidly evolving, with safety, security, and range being key concerns for consumers. Innovative material solutions, particularly in thermal management, play a crucial role in mitigating risks associated with EV batteries, such as thermal incidents in two-wheelers. We are actively collaborating with battery cell manufacturers to provide products that meet critical requirements for safety and efficiency.

Additionally, our ceramic materials support the battery recycling process, which is increasingly important as the industry grows. The Battery Show India, now in its second edition, offers a vital platform for networking and collaboration, bringing together stakeholders from across the EV supply chain, including manufacturers, OEMs, and component suppliers. Advanced materials that enhance safety and performance will continue to be a priority in addressing emerging concerns and driving the next generation of battery technologies.”

Mr. Vijay Bawra, Senior Director for Start-up Innovation at T-hub, Government of Telangana said, “T-Hub has supported over 2000 startups in the last eight years, helping raise over USD 1.9 billion in funding. Our framework, known as the 6M and 2P methodology, focuses on providing startups with access to money, mentoring, motivation, manpower, methodology, market access, policy, and partnerships.

Since 2014, Indian startups have raised a cumulative USD 151 billion, expected to grow by 40% by 2030, with at least 10% of this investment directed towards climate tech and renewable energy, totaling over USD 10 billion in the next three years. Startups will play a critical role in India’s transition to clean energy. Policy frameworks and initiatives, such as the FAME scheme, has driven significant adoption of electric vehicles (EVs), leading to the rise of EV ride-sharing and bike companies. It is essential for the government to maintain and expand these incentives to continue fostering the growth of the EV sector, rather than curbing adoption by reducing subsidies."

Mr. Ankit Jhakkar, Engagement Manager, Mobility Energy Vertical at Praxis Global Alliance said “India's EV mobility ecosystem presents a tremendous opportunity, currently valued at approximately USD 650 billion. Despite EV penetration being less than 5%, contributing around USD 30-40 billion, the potential for growth is vast. Supportive government policies, private investments, and innovative startups are driving this sector forward. By FY 2030, the EV ecosystem is projected to expand to USD 250 billion, with an estimated profit of USD 25-30 billion for companies and startups involved in this transformation. However, many startups developing breakthrough battery innovations still face challenges in scaling. Events like The Battery Show India provide a crucial platform for these startups to showcase their solutions, giving industry stakeholders the opportunity to explore new technologies and advance localization efforts. These startups have the potential to lead the transformation of India's EV industry.”

Mr. Shanmuganandam Veerasamy Chairman - CII Puducherry State council & Founder and CEO of Touch Energy Technologies said “ At the Battery Show 2024, we’re launching our new BESS (Battery Energy Storage System) solution for the Indian market, which holds immense potential. While BESS is rapidly evolving globally, India has significant untapped potential. However, policy-level support is crucial. The PLI scheme should extend to emerging companies, and machinery for battery manufacturing must be duty-exempt. States like Gujarat and Rajasthan are leading with energy storage projects, and similar policies across India will drive further growth.

India also has significant export opportunities, especially with markets like Australia. South India, with its leadership in renewable energy, is set to benefit from BESS, potentially contributing 10-15 gigawatts to the country’s projected 50-70 gigawatt energy storage capacity in the next few years."

Mr. Harsha Lingam, Chief Operating Officer (COO), Global Business Inroads said, “We are working with four European start-ups in the battery and EV recycling sector that are looking to set up operations in India. India is becoming a key market for technology and innovation due to geopolitical factors, ease of doing business, and various incentives. Global governments, including from Europe and Southeast Asia, are viewing India as the next big opportunity for collaboration.

Collaboration across borders, particularly in sectors like EVs, green hydrogen, and battery technologies (such as lithium-ion and sodium-ion), is essential for driving innovation. India’s diversification strategy and its focus on technologies like green hydrogen and sustainable transportation promise significant growth, with billion-dollar market potential across these sectors."

Emphasizing the importance of the event, Mr. Yogesh Mudras, Managing Director, Informa Markets in India said, “India's economic growth and focus on clean energy are driving a surge in battery demand. Government initiatives, like relaxed FDI norms allowing up to 100% FDI in ACC battery manufacturing, and the establishment of Khanij Bidesh India Ltd (KABIL) to secure critical minerals, are reducing reliance on imports and strengthening the country's position in the global market.Amid these national efforts, South India stands out as a leader in the electric vehicle (EV) market, contributing to nearly half of the country’s EV sales. Tamil Nadu, in particular, is becoming a hub for OEMs, component suppliers, and battery manufacturing, establishing itself as a pivotal force in both EV sales and R&D in India.

The Battery Show India 2024 will serve as a critical platform to explore these revolutionary advancements. The event's significance is underscored by its focus on the dynamic evolution of the battery industry, driven by technological innovation and supportive government policies, positioning India at the forefront of global energy transformation.” he added.

The expo will feature several key components, including CEO/CTO Conclaves, the Global Innovation Theatre, an Investor Zone, and a three-day Technical Conference. The theme for 2024, "Net Zero Strategies, Synergies, and Sustainable Growth," will guide the event's extensive programme, which includes 15 sessions dedicated to exploring the latest trends, technologies, and innovations in the battery sector. Topics will cover critical areas such as battery market trends, India's efforts to electrify its automotive sector, and strategies for scaling battery energy storage systems to support a clean and reliable grid. Discussions will also address the EU-India EV Battery Recycling Technologies Exchange, pathways to build resilient green infrastructure for clean mobility with renewable-powered NHEV E-Highways, and sustainable strategies for boosting the energy storage sector in India.

Tamil Nadu has emerged as India's leading automobile manufacturing hub, contributing to 40% of the nation's electric vehicle (EV) production last year. Of the 1 million EVs sold across India, over 400,000 were produced in Tamil Nadu, which also accounted for an impressive 68% of all EV two-wheelers sold. The state has secured investments exceeding INR 6.6 lakh crore, with a substantial portion allocated to advancing EV development and infrastructure. The Government of India is also taking significant steps to reduce reliance on imports. In alignment with these efforts, The Battery Show India will focus on domestic production, the recycling of minerals, and will invite leading global mineral suppliers and mineral-rich countries to participate in the event.