Zinc batteries, a lithium alternative, set for new part supply in Japan

TOKYO/OSAKA -- Japanese chemical group Nippon Shokubai will scale up production as early as next year of a main component in rechargeable zinc batteries, an emerging alternative to lithium-ion batteries, Nikkei has learned.

Mass production of separators for zinc batteries remains rare, and the development could give a major boost to the supply chain, helping to popularize a low-cost storage option for renewable energy.