Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) has put its plans to manufacture lithium-ion battery cells in India on hold after it was unable to secure critical technology from China. The decision marks a setback for the conglomerate’s near-term battery manufacturing ambitions.
Technology Tie-Up with Chinese Firm Falls Through
Reliance had planned to begin cell manufacturing this year and was in advanced discussions with Xiamen Hithium Energy Storage Technology, a Chinese energy storage company, to license battery cell technology. However, the talks stalled after Xiamen withdrew from the proposed partnership. The withdrawal followed China’s tightening restrictions on overseas technology transfers, which directly affected the proposed licensing arrangement.
China Tightens Control on Battery Technology Exports
In October last year, Beijing announced new controls on the export of lithium battery components, requiring exporters to obtain government permits. As a result, Chinese authorities have strengthened their oversight of technologies critical to energy storage systems and electric vehicles. These curbs have made it increasingly difficult for Indian companies to access advanced Chinese battery technologies, slowing the pace of domestic cell manufacturing plans.
Impact on Reliance’s Battery Manufacturing Timeline
With the technology partnership now on hold, Reliance has paused its immediate plans to set up battery cell manufacturing in India. As reported by msn.com, while the company has not disclosed its next steps, the development highlights the broader challenges facing India’s push to localise advanced battery technologies amid global supply chain and geopolitical constraints.
