Do not talk, act

G.S. Marjara, Business Head, Future Hi Tech Batteries Ltd

Located at Mohali, Future Hi-Tech Batteries Ltd is a promising manufacturer of lithium batteries. The company provides wide range of customised solutions for lithium batteries. lithium ion cells, LiFePO4 cells, battery packs for electric vehicle, solar lighting and energy storage, medical and other devices, based on LFP, NMC, LMO, LCO chemistries, up to 5 KWh and extendable.

Talking about the journey of the company, G. S. Marjara, Business Head, Future Hi Tech Batteries Ltd said, “Our unit was established in 1998 to manufacturer lithium cell in India and till date it is the only such unit in the country. In the absence of favourable government policies and initiative towards renewable green energy at that time and non-acceptance of this technology by industry, the unit could not survive for long time hence was closed.”

However, four years back, when the government starts taking initiatives to promote renewable energy sector, Future Hi Tech Batteries decided to revamp the production of its unit and found that due to upgradation in technology in such long period the unit is no longer suitable for commercial production but R&D.

Later, the company joined hands with major educational institutions like Punjab University, PEC University, BHU, IIT Kharagpur and IIT Patna for ongoing research projects for the development of lithium batteries and solar storage systems.

About two years back, Future Hi Tech Batteries bought technology to make energy storage battery packs and started commercial production at a small note while catering to stationary and portable solar energy storage applications such as solar street light, hand held search light, solar lantern and home lighting system etc. At the beginning of this year, the company has launched lithium batteries for E-bicycle and E-scooter.

A gradual move?
The government has announced several initiatives to revive the power sector since the time it has come into power. Commenting on the ground reality regarding the implementation of these initiatives, Marjara said, “Most of the initiatives are still at preparation or early stage and technical knowledge at gross root level within the government agencies is grossly missing. Hence things are moving gradually, but are not stuck.”

Awaiting a better 2018
Though Marjara has ruled out an overnight miraculous growth, he believes, by the end of 2018 there would be remarkable changes in energy storage sector as well electrical vehicle both of which are part of renewable and green energy initiative.

Care for industry health
According to Marjara, the waiver of custom-duty tax and compulsory regulation of BIS are two positive decisions in the renewable energy sector. However, he strongly believes, “The health of the industry will not improve until the basic raw material is produced in the country for which there is no visible initiative other than tall claim of some of the government agencies which is giving clear benefit to China to control the future of this industry in India. The government should encourage investment on basic raw material production and support the industry with easy, single-window clearance, huge financial assistant etc other than simply talking about the initiatives.”