ADVANCED CHEMISTRY CELL (ACC) BATTERIES

Why in News?

The Ministry of Heavy Industries (MHI) received 22 bids for 10 GWh Advanced Chemistry Cell (ACC) battery manufacturing capacity under the PLI scheme on 12 November 2026.

Key Features:

Total Target: The National Programme on ACC Battery Storage aims to establish 50 GWh domestic ACC manufacturing capacity in India.

Current Bidding: Out of the targeted 50 GWh, 10 GWh capacity has been offered under the latest global tender.

Purpose: The 10 GWh capacity is specifically earmarked for Grid-Scale Stationary Storage (GSSS) applications.

Implementation: The scheme aims to promote domestic manufacturing of advanced batteries and reduce dependence on imports.

Objectives of the Scheme:

• Promote domestic manufacturing of advanced batteries.
• Reduce dependence on imported battery cells.
• Encourage investment and technological development.
• Support electric vehicles (EVs) and renewable energy storage.
• Strengthen India’s battery manufacturing ecosystem.

IMPORTANT CONCEPTS

Advanced Chemistry Cell (ACC):

ACC refers to advanced rechargeable battery technology that stores and releases electrical energy through electrochemical reactions.

Grid-Scale Stationary Storage (GSSS):

It refers to large-scale battery storage systems used to store electricity and supply it when required.

Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme:

A government scheme that provides financial incentives to companies based on their incremental production or sales of specified products manufactured in India.

Significance:

The initiative will strengthen India’s energy security, clean energy transition, electric mobility and domestic manufacturing capacity, while supporting the goal of reducing import dependence.