Indian chemicals major Gujarat Fluorochemicals (GFL) is said to be investing about ₹ 4500 - 5000 crores on EV batteries and related chemicals, solar panels, hydrogen fuel cells and electrolyzers supply chain in next three years, according to a latest media report.
The company's integrated battery chemicals complex at Dahej in Gujarat is nearing completion, which is expected to produce LiPF6, an important electrolyte salt meant for lithium-ion batteries, with an initial capacity of 1,800 tonnes per annum (tpa) in the first phase, reports Fortune India. The capacity is planned to expand in the next two phases over the next 3-4 years.
"This (integrated battery chemicals complex) will be over and above the ₹ 2,500 crore we invested in enhancing various capacities and new facilities we set up in GFL in the last 2-3 years. The EV battery chain opportunity across the globe is estimated to be $300 Billion by 2030. We have the first mover advantage from India and can compete with any global players," said Devansh Jain, Group Executive Director of InoxGFL Group, speaking to Fortune India.
In the battery manufacturing supply chain, GFL targets PVDF electrode binders, battery chemicals, LiPF6, additives and electrolyte formulations, all from the integrated battery complex at Dahej. The company is said to have already developed PVDF grades for cathode binder application.
As per media sources, the chemicals company is already in touch with battery manufacturers who are starting to set up shops in India, especially those who have applied and won the PLI scheme for ACC battery manufacturing.
Further, Devansh Jain has said that GFL is developing its own fluoropolymer-based proton exchange membranes (PEM) to tap the emerging green hydrogen opportunity in the global and local markets. The company claims to enjoy an inherent advantage in the emerging sectors of clean energy including solar, EVs, and green hydrogen.