MHI Implements PLI Scheme for Advanced Chemistry Cell (ACC) Battery Manufacturing to Cut Imports

·         PLI ACC Scheme Overview:

o    “National Programme on Advanced Chemistry Cell (ACC) Battery Storage” approved in May 2021.

o    Total outlay of ₹18,100 crore.

o    Target to establish 50 GWh of domestic ACC manufacturing capacity.

·         Objective of the Scheme:

o    Reduce dependence on imported Advanced Chemistry Cells (ACCs).

o    Promote domestic manufacturing capabilities.

o    Attract large domestic and global players to build a globally competitive ACC ecosystem in India.

·         Current Status:

o    Domestic demand for ACCs is still largely met through imports.

o    Scheme has catalysed investments in cell manufacturing units.

·         Capacity Expansion Announcements:

o    Beyond selected PLI applicants, at least 10 manufacturers have announced cumulative capacity of about 178 GWh over the next five years.

o    Signals strong industry response and future scaling potential.

·         Boost to Component Ecosystem:

o    Rising demand for key components such as cathode active materials, anode active materials, and foils.

o    Indian firms have announced plans for component manufacturing and battery recycling units.

·         Critical Mineral Security:

o    As per the Ministry of Mines, the National Critical Mineral Mission (NCMM) was approved on 29 January 2025.

o    Mission aims to ensure long-term sustainable supply of critical minerals.

o    Covers entire value chain: exploration, mining, beneficiation, processing, and recovery from end-of-life products.

·         Overall Significance:

o    Strengthens India’s battery manufacturing and clean energy ecosystem.

o    Enhances supply chain resilience and reduces import dependence.

o    Supports India’s broader goals in electric mobility and energy transition.

 

[ABS News Service/14.02.2026]

The Ministry of Heavy Industries is administering the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme, namely “National Programme on Advanced Chemistry Cell (ACC) Battery Storage,” approved in May 2021 with a total outlay of ₹18,100 crore to establish 50 GWh of domestic Advanced Chemistry Cell manufacturing capacity.

The Scheme aims to reduce India’s dependence on imported ACCs by strengthening domestic manufacturing capabilities and incentivising large domestic and international players to establish a globally competitive ACC battery-manufacturing ecosystem in the country. However, at present, the domestic demand continues to be met largely through imports.

This initiative of the Government of India has acted as a catalyst for Indian cell manufacturers to setup cell manufacturing units. Besides the PLI ACC scheme applicants, at least 10 manufacturers have announced a cumulative capacity of about 178 GWh in the country over the next five years. Further, the scheme has raised demand for components like cathode active materials, anode active materials, foils, etc., and Indian manufacturers have announced component manufacturing and recycling units.

Further, as per information received from Ministry of Mines, Ministry of Mines is implementing the National Critical Mineral Mission (NCMM), approved on 29th January, 2025 to secure a long-term sustainable supply of critical minerals and strengthen India’s critical mineral value chain encompassing all stages from mineral exploration and mining to beneficiation, processing, and recovery from end-of-life products.

This information was given by the Minister of State for Heavy Industries, Bhupathiraju Srinivasa Varma in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha on 13 February, 2026.