As embedded and miniaturized hardware solutions continue to advance, an increasing number of developers are opting for standardized open-source or license-free software solutions. Mouser Electronics and Adam Taylor, founder and lead consultant of Adiuvo Engineering & Training Ltd., discuss how open-source solutions impact the electronics sector and explore what the future could hold.

"Open source" can have different interpretations depending on your background. How do you define it within the electronics industry and from an electronics engineer’s point of view? What do you see as the pros and cons of open source?

It is an interesting topic to define, especially when separated from the software side. Open source is undeniably advantageous, as it enables shared knowledge and collaboration in a practical manner. It also enables the ability to explore existing designs and utilize them as a foundation or for inspiration.

However, one of the biggest issues with open source, especially in the world of electronics, is the surrounding confusion. There are varying degrees of permissions at the licensing level, which contributes to the complexity and misunderstandings; some licensed solutions provide complete freedom, whereas licenses like copyleft can be quite restrictive for certain applications. For smaller companies, this can be a major barrier as they may not have the resources to investigate where they stand legally in terms of usage.

Engineers often believe that every project is entirely unique. But in reality, even the most cutting-edge designs will incorporate ideas or components from other existing projects, and it is here where open source can foster collaboration and cooperation. Embracing open source provides engineers with the opportunity to leverage the knowledge of others, enhancing the potential benefits for their own projects.

How can an open-source solution impact product development?

Open-source initiatives allow engineers to build off existing ideas, whether these are development tools or electronic devices. With open source, engineers usually have a greater support network and larger working communities that can support when a problem or application arises. Essentially, open source significantly streamlines and enhances project development.

Open-source applications can also have a significant impact in terms of quality and compliance. In a closed-source environment, new designs have to undergo extensive internal checks. However, in an open-source environment, reputable designs have already passed through the scrutiny of several engineers. While this may not be sufficient for full validation in highly stringent applications, it can help to streamline the process.

From a business perspective, creating a strong product traditionally involves unique selling points and intellectual property. Are open-source solutions truly viable for market-ready products?

This is the major concern that can turn engineers away from open-source solutions. From a business standpoint, there is a concern about seeing no return on investment. Individuals are often unwilling to invest time and resources in open-source projects without seeing any benefits.

Looking at Adiuvo, for example, there is a real benefit in using open source to add value to a product or solution. With one of the new field-programmable gate arrays (FPGA) development boards, the schematic and layout will be open source to enhance the value of the product. The aim of incorporating open source as part of the business model is to appeal to engineers by making their jobs easier.

Open source needs to be a middle ground. As a business, you can make elements open-source and invite engineers in, but you have to be careful. There is not a one-size-fits-all solution for making open source a part of your business model.

What are examples you recognize as successful open-source electronics solutions, and where are these impacting the market? Are we looking at development solutions or final products?

Most developments in the FPGA market are focused on software and development tools, rather than providing a ready-to-use hardware solution or components that engineers can drop straight into their application.

This trend is similar to the impact that open-source solutions like compilers have had on the software industry. It is expected that this shift will also affect the development of hardware such as FPGAs, system-on-chips (SoCs), microcontroller units (MCUs), and more, where engineers add value from the application of the hardware, rather than the hardware itself.

How do broader industry-backed open-source solutions like Zephyr and Matter fit in, and what impact do they have on the electronics industry?

Evaluating embedded Linux as an example, this is an area where open source is thriving. For years, engineers have been doing very similar things in terms of the application and its requirements, using the same source or kernel but approaching it in a completely different way.

These varying approaches create a few issues, but one of the main ones is the portability of software engineers. Different approaches make it challenging for software personnel to switch projects or companies. This results in unnecessary training and redundant work by highly skilled individuals, as well as harming interoperability.

The Linux Foundation Yocto Project is a perfect example of widespread collaboration. It enables individuals to build embedded Linux solutions using a standardized approach, resulting in decreased deployment time and expenses while also fostering best practices. Other industry-supported solutions like Zephyr and Matter have been influenced by the success of Yocto. Its results showed that producing industry-focused contributions can positively impact businesses, end user’s projects, and the entire engineering community.

Has the rise of IoT and IIoT smart devices, with a focus on interoperability, impacted industry-supported open-source solutions?

Yes, but this is a component of a bigger theme, which is the search for standardization. While engineers like to start from scratch, this is not always the best way to go about development for the end user—especially in terms of smart homes or connected services.

Evaluating Matter as an example, the reason it is successful is more tied to its ability to get companies to agree on a standard, rather than it necessarily being open source. A closed-source free standard could easily have the same impact, so it is the standardization with low cost of entry that is the critical factor, rather than if it is open or closed source.

What are your thoughts on hybrid approaches that involve a fusion of open-source and closed-source solutions, and how do these approaches benefit both suppliers and developers?

At the heart of being an engineer is the ability to identify or create the perfect solution for a particular use, delivering it on time, to a high quality, and within budget. This hybrid approach truly embodies this principle and is increasing in popularity across the industry. As long as licensing rules are adhered to, it is a sensible way to conduct business.

When delving into many open-source hardware solutions, they typically involve a hybrid approach. Looking back at the Linux example, many Yocto-based solutions are running on closed-source hardware. Similarly, many larger open-source hardware solutions will usually have a closed-source proprietary connector or component in there.

Finally, how do you predict the future market share of the electronics industry in terms of proprietary versus open source?

There will likely be a rise in open-source solutions as there are a number of driving factors, including the proliferation of development tools, the closer relationship between software and electronics, and the complexities of modern applications lending themselves to the sharing of information.

Twenty years ago, developing an FPGA solution required a significant financial commitment and a steep learning curve, limiting entry to big companies. Free editors, simulators, and synthesis tools are now available for download, effectively eliminating the entry barrier. Many larger hardware manufacturers are now happy to provide free resources to better support their products, causing a significant shift.

In the coming years, it is highly probable that the electronics industry will be greatly influenced by open-source solutions encompassing software, hardware, and AI.

Original Source: Mouser

  About Author: Adam Taylor is a professor of embedded systems, engineering leader, and world-recognized expert in FPGA/System on Chip and Electronic Design.

• India imposes 30% anti-dumping duty on bare PCBs from China and Hong Kong, safeguarding domestic electronics manufacturing
• Manufacturers and associations support the move, emphasizing the need to strengthen PCB manufacturing for self-reliance
• Stakeholders stress investments in infrastructure and technology to capitalize on India's electronics industry growth

India's electronics industry is rapidly growing, targeting $300 billion in total production and $125 billion in exports by 2026. However, achieving self-reliance requires bolstering the major component ecosystem. Currently, India relies heavily on imports, particularly from China and Vietnam, for crucial components. The PCB market in India reached $4.5 billion in 2022 and is projected to reach $11.8 billion by 2028, highlighting its significance. PCBs serve as vital components connecting electronic parts in various consumer electronics and IT hardware products. To support industry growth, government intervention is necessary through initiatives like a separate Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme and subsidies for equipment, power, and R&D. As India approaches its production target, an estimated $150 billion worth of components, including PCBs, will be required.

Feeling the heat of the importance of boosting PCB manufacturing, the Finance Minister, Nirmala Sitharaman, after several rounds of discussions, has finally imposed a 30 percent anti-dumping duty (ADD) for a period of five years on bare PCBs which are imported from China and Hong Kong. Both the manufacturers and the industry associations welcomed this move by the government. They feel that although the manufacturing of PCBs is complex, it is not as difficult like making semiconductors. India is very well-poised to manufacture it on a large-scale, both for its own consumption and for the rest of the world.

Although the ADD tariff would prove to be optimistic for the Indian PCB industry, there are loads of challenges that require countermeasures. According to last year’s data, around 85-90 percent of PCBs were imported from China. In an exclusive interaction with Circuit Digest, Sanjay Aggarwal, managing director of Globe Capacitors, said that a huge chunk of PCB requirements are imported, which is not sustainable and makes us susceptible to fluctuating global crises. PCB manufacturing requires high-quality infrastructure and is characterized by a very high output ratio of 1:1 or 1:5. It has a complex supply chain, and the equipment required for its manufacturing are very expensive.

Protecting Domestic Industry: The Need for Imposing Duties on Imported PCBs

In an effort to safeguard India’s domestic electronics industry, the Indian Printed Circuit Association notified the government in December 2022 that there is an ongoing ‘Threat to Material Injury” due to massive dumping of components such as bare PCBs from China and Hong Kong. Therefore, there is a significant requirement of anti-dumping duty on the imported PCBs. After analyzing and investigating the situation thoroughly, the Directorate General of Trade Remedies (DGTR), the right arm of the Commerce ministry, recommended anti-dumping duty on imported PCBs in January 2024. The authorities have added that the duty will affect the availability of electronic items to the consumers. During the course of the investigation, the DGTR revealed that PCB imports from China PR and Hong Kong were sold below fair market rates, causing tangible harm to the domestic sector. Under the authority vested by sections 9A(1) and 9A(5) of the Customs Tariff Act, the Central Government authorized anti-dumping duties on specified PCB imports. These duties, calculated as a percentage of the CIF value of imported PCB goods, aim to counter the adverse impact of PCB dumping and protect domestic industry interests. 

Applauding the government’s anti-dumping duty on imported PCBs, Murali Srinivasa, founder, CEO at LionCircuits, told Circuit Digest, “The Indian and China’s PCB manufacturing markets are not on the same level. What the Indian government has now done will boost and elevate confidence among the country’s manufacturers. The Chinese government gives a lot of subsidies in terms of water and electricity, which is an important requirement for the manufacturing of PCBs. This is why, in the last 10-15 years, China has evolved its manufacturing ecosystem. Because of price cuts from China, Indian PCB makers have suffered a lot. But, this anti-dumping duty is not going to be a long-term solution. This is just for five years, and within this time frame, the PCB manufacturers will have to become globally competitive. At Lion’s Circuit, we are also trying to become globally competitive independent of the subsidies.”

“What China is doing is not a realistic market scenario. In this situation, all the Indian OEMs, product manufacturers, and R&D houses were left with no option, but to procure raw materials from China. This is because there are no Indian manufacturers who can offer electronic goods at competitive prices. At Lion’s Circuits, we have launched a ‘Make-in-India’ plan, where we are offering two-layered boards for 10 dollars. India should have the ability to manufacture a two-layer PCB board in just 24 hours. We have to increase production and make sure that processes and factories are running smoothly, backed by cutting-edge equipment. In 2, 4, and 6 layered boards, which is the largest market both in terms of transactions and volume are imposed with the import duty,” added Murali. 

This decision underscores the government's commitment to fair trade practices and ensuring a level playing field for all stakeholders in the PCB market. According to the official spokesperson of DGTR, "while the domestic industry has been able to increase the selling price at present due to concentration on profitable segments, the continued imports at dumped prices have not allowed it to increase the sales beyond those segments and pose a threat of price suppression and depression on the domestic industry." Initially, the duty recommended was in the range of 8.23 percent to 75.72 percent of the cost, insurance, and freight (CIF) value. When any country is under the impression that its domestic industries are being largely impacted due to an escalation in below-cost imports, then anti-dumping investigations are carried out and certain duties are imposed following the instructions of the World Trade Organization (WTO). 

The PCBs with more than six layers and the populated ones were not included in the investigation. According to the government report, $478 million worth of PCBs were imported from Hong Kong and China during April-October 2023. According to the IPCA, there are around 200 SME category PCB makers in India whose businesses are largely impacted due to the huge volume of dumping for more than four years. Therefore, the Indian PCB industry needs to ramp up and compete with global industry to support local manufacturing and EMS companies. This is vital, if India wants to benefit from this measure taken by the government, or else, it may have a negative impact due to the rise in manufacturing costs.

The PCB industry in India faces tough competition from neighboring countries such as China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan, which have a vast history of PCB manufacturing, benefits from top-notch technology, decreased production costs, and economies of scale. The infrastructure and the supply chain is quite insufficient, which is posing a huge impediment to its manufacturing. Most importantly, the power supply is highly infrequent and is not subsidized. Then, there is a shortage of sophisticated machinery and equipment, which are very costly for Indian SMEs to procure. For a very long time, manufacturers and industry bodies have been urging the government to come up with an additional scheme and incentives for the equipment and machinery segment.

Sanjay Agarwal added that as per an exclusive 'ELCINA PCB Ecosystem Development Report 2023', India  requires adding innovative large-scale PCB plants addressing 5 million Sq. Meters of ML and 2 Million Sq. meters of Flex/Rigid-Flex units in the coming five years. Currently, the nation requires seven large PCB factories equipped with 1 Mn. Sq. M plant capacity. Moreover, it requires an investment of Rs 7,000 crores that will provide a yearly revenue of Rs 10,500 crore along with a direct employment of 7000 , and 35,000 employment indirectly in the value chain.

Anti-dumping Duty to boost Indian SMEs and PCB Industry claims Industry Experts

This is a strategic move, which is welcomed both by the PCB manufacturers and the industry bodies. According to them, ADD is not a long-term solution, this is also a strong pillar for the PCB industry in India. Anti dumping measures are promulgated to ensure free trade and create a level playing field for a particular industry segment. It is not a measure to restrict imports or to accrue an increase in the cost of a particular product. To this end, the policy is well thought out and does not look at things from a myopic perspective. Let’s find out below what the industry bodies told Circuit Digest exclusively:

Rajoo Goel, Secretary-General, Electronics Industries Association of India (ELCINA)

Anti-dumping duty on Bare PCBs is a definitive action for preventing dumping of this key electronic component in the Indian market. Dumping from China has been suspected for a long time. The government abstained from this tough action as the electronics industry was divided because the users of PCBs expressed concerns about the escalation in manufacturing cost. However, the ADD has been limited to PCBs upto 6 layers, and several high end PCBs have been exempt. This effectively means that less than 70 percent of the market by value is being protected, and this will decline further to below 50 percent in 3-4 years as technology and products upgrade. However,  the growth and opportunity are immense.

Anurag Awasthi, Vice President, India Electronics and Semiconductors Association (IESA)

India is now aiming for Atmanirbhar Bharat in electronics manufacturing, in which, PCBs are the fulcrum. Currently a huge segment of the PCB requirement in the country is imported, while there are over 200-300 PCB manufacturers in India who are supposedly supplying only 60 percent of their output to the Indian market, while exporting 40 percent. The current anti-dumping duty levies are specific to those companies and sources that apparently supply well below the raw material cost in India. These are structural anomalies, which need to be removed for any domestic or global investor to invest in large scale PCB manufacturing in India. We have to learn from the Koreans, who only source from Korean brands - similarly, Indian EMS companies need to learn and have a mindset change to source from India as well. While there is no visible scarcity in terms of capacity, the need to factor in slightly more costs to fight against dumping from other nations should be considered.

M Thiyagarajan, President, Indian Printed Circuit Association (IPCA)

The PCB is the backbone of any electronic product. We have raised this dumping duty issue with the government in an effort to protect India’s domestic electronics industry. This is a basic component, and if we are not self reliant and constantly import, then there will be a semiconductor like situation. This is a very doable technology, unlike semiconductors which require high-end equipment, billions of investment, and specialized skilled forces. India is very well-versed in terms of PCBs, and we have started making PCBs much before China even thought of it. Initially, there will be a few shortages of PCBs from this decision, but we will find a solution like we did during COVID. For instance, there was a time when India used to import huge amounts of food grains from other countries, and today we have excess as the government has paid attention to it. We are not against FDI, we are suggesting they make products in India and then sell it in the country.

Pankaj Mohindroo, Chairman, India Cellular & Electronics Association (ICEA)

The imposition of Anti-dumping Duty (ADD) would be a considered decision. All along, there was strong evidence of dumping in the entry level PCB segment. We have urged the government to strongly abide by this decision or else Chinese dominance will never come to an end. India is now growing very rapidly, and if this pace is continued, we will definitely set a benchmark in the global electronics industry. 

• India needs to run on local ACC manufacturing, creating a robust ecosystem for innovation and economic growth.

 What are Advanced Chemistry Cells and Why Are Efforts Being Made to Boost the Ecosystem?

ACCs are cutting-edge advanced storage technologies that have the ability to store electrical energy either as chemical energy or electrochemical energy and convert it back to electric energy when needed. Basically, ACC batteries are mostly used for EVs and energy storage, but they are also massively consumed in numerous other sectors such as UPS, mobile phones, telecom, inverters, etc. According to the experts, growing a domestic advanced cell supply chain ecosystem will help the country become globally competitive in terms of mobility, consumer electronics ecosystem, and grid energy storage. The domestic supply chain will help get rid of the challenges of any sort of supply constraints, which can put the overall battery industry at risk. Currently, India is at the nascent stage of developing its in-house advanced cell manufacturing ecosystem, and speaking of the global supply chain, its presence is very limited.  According to the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), the market demand in the nation for ACC batteries is speculated to grow from a staggering 220 GWh by 2030 to 20 GWh in 2022 at a CAGR of 50 percent.

Why the PLI Scheme for ACCs will be a Game-Changer for India’s EV Industry

Feeling the heat of the importance of ACCs, the union government, after several rounds of discussions, has announced the much-awaited Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme, the 'National Programme on Advanced Chemistry Cell (ACC) Battery Storage’ with a budgetary outlay of Rs 18,000 crore in 2021. With the help of this scheme, India is looking forward to a manufacturing capacity of 50 GigaWatt hours (GWh) of ACC. The aim is to escalate the domestic value addition in EV battery manufacturing and, at the same time, decrease the cost of batteries so that the nation can become globally competitive in the EV ecosystem.

Under the PLI scheme for ACC, around ten companies have submitted their bids. Ola Cell Technologies Pvt. Ltd., ACC Energy Storage Pvt. Ltd., and Reliance New Energy Battery Storage Ltd. have benefited from the scheme, and one of the bidders who had been approved previously has been disqualified by the government for non-compliance with the terms and conditions. Just a month ago, the union government even announced the re-bidding under the PLI for ACC so that the approved bidders could set up a huge battery manufacturing unit of 10 GWh with an outlay of Rs 3,620 crore.

Speaking on how the PLI scheme for ACC will be a game-changer for India’s EV industry, Soumen Mandal, senior automotive researcher at Counterpoint Research, told Circuit Digest exclusively, “India's automotive market is slowly transitioning to EVs. More than 1.5 Mn EVs were sold during 2023, a massive growth of 50 percent YoY. Approximately 40 percent of the initial cost of an electric vehicle (EV) is attributed to batteries, which India mostly imports. This import dependence leads to increased EV costs. The PLI scheme prioritizes the local manufacturing of Advanced Chemistry Cells (ACCs) in India, aiming to establish a more efficient supply chain and reduce battery cell costs, thereby making EVs more economical. In 2023, around six percent of sales were contributed by EVs in the automobile segment, and by 2030, 40 percent of sales will be contributed by electric cars. This will be possible if the PLI for ACC and FAME 11 is successfully implemented.”

Although India is working hard to boost the ACC battery storage capacity, industry leaders feel that the supply chain and finding the right talent are the major hurdles for firms to set up lithium-ion cell manufacturing units.

With a focus on maximizing domestic value addition, the PLI scheme encourages investments in Giga-scale ACC and battery manufacturing facilities, which will not only drive technological advancements but also create employment opportunities. Furthermore, by incentivizing continuous sales of domestically manufactured batteries, the scheme instills confidence in manufacturers to invest in long-term sustainability and innovation. Overall, the PLI scheme for ACC has the potential to revolutionize the EV battery ecosystem in India by fostering a competitive and self-reliant industry while accelerating the adoption of electric vehicles nationwide.

The Current Challenges in India’s ACC Battery Ecosystem

Although various initiatives have been undertaken to grow the ecosystem and become self-reliant, experts feel that the limited availability of key raw materials like lithium and cobalt poses a significant challenge to battery manufacturing. This shortage often leads to dependency on imports, which can be expensive and subject to geopolitical risks. Then, the cost of imports is another major challenge in this ecosystem. Importing raw materials from foreign countries, particularly China, can be costly due to tariffs, transportation costs, and currency fluctuations. This adds to the overall manufacturing expenses, impacting the competitiveness of domestically produced batteries. There are huge regulatory hurdles. The stringent rules and regulations, both domestic and international, can create barriers to manufacturing and exporting batteries. Compliance with environmental standards, safety regulations, and trade policies adds complexity and cost to the process.

Sonam Motwani, CEO and Founder at Karkhana.io, told Circuit Digest, “While some lithium reserves have been identified in India, the exploration and processing of these resources are still in progress. Developing domestic capabilities for mining and refining lithium could help reduce dependence on imports. Manufacturing advanced chemistry cells requires sophisticated techniques and infrastructure. Ensuring that manufacturing facilities are equipped with the latest technology and skilled personnel is essential but can be costly and challenging to implement.”

Despite India's increasing demand, India’s dependence on imports highlights the huge gap in domestic production. Investment in batteries continues, and the lack of ACC facilities hampers self-sufficiency. India needs to run on local ACC manufacturing, creating a robust ecosystem for innovation and economic growth. The PLI initiative is an important step in this direction, catalyzing India’s journey towards energy independence and global competitiveness in the EV revolution.

Imports are always the major concern for India, both in terms of electronics manufacturing and electric vehicles. The country lacks the ecosystem and the policies to develop the raw materials. For instance, Lithium has been discovered on a large scale in Jammu, but a lack of advanced equipment, policies, political constraints, and environmental issues makes us more dependent on China.

Highlighting the major cause of imports and other barriers in this ecosystem, Rohit Pandit, Managing Director, Shuzlan Energy, said, "The challenges to the ACC ecosystem are multifaceted. First, it relies heavily on imports to meet demand, highlighting the lack of strong domestic manufacturing capacity. Second, existing investments in batteries do not meet global standards, hindering scalability and competitiveness. Furthermore, low prices lead to increased dependence on foreign suppliers. To address these issues, India needs strategic investments in ACC manufacturing, coupled with incentives for R&D and innovation. Collaboration between industry and academia can foster technological development, while structural change can encourage the integration of local production and supply chains. Ultimately, fostering a healthy ecosystem is key to achieving self-sufficiency and global competitiveness in the ACC region."

To reduce dependence on thermal energy and decrease air pollution on a large scale, the government of India even approved the National Mission on Transformative Mobility and Battery Storage in March 2019 to enhance clean mobility. The price of Li-ion batteries has been reducing at a rapid scale and is therefore accelerating the market for battery storage internationally. According to the government’s think tank public policy agency, Niti Aayog, the price of Li-ion batteries has been reducing at a CAGR of 20 percent.

The positive scenario is that the country both has the talent and the resources to set up cells and battery packs. Although numerous firms have already begun investing in the assembly of battery packs, the capacities of these units are not large when compared to international averages. The entire value addition and investment in ACC manufacturing are still very low in the nation, and therefore, over 80 percent of the demand for ACCs is still met through imports, mostly from China. 

How India Can Tackle the Challenges in the Coming Years

In an effort to meet this huge demand in the EV industry, various countries have already started manufacturing the battery storage ecosystem on a rapid scale. Manufacturing capacities over 5 GWh/year have already started developing all over the world. According to a survey by NITI Aayog, China has responded to this demand faster, with 78 percent of international manufacturing capacity for batteries, while Europe and the US hold a share of 7 percent and 8 percent, respectively. Researchers even feel that the anticipated capacity additions between 2022 and 2025 will surpass 1,450 GWh of new annual production capacity internationally, with China holding the majority of the market share and Europe as the emerging epicenter of higher growth.

Now, if India wants to improve its overall battery manufacturing ecosystem, then a phased approach is needed that can merge a large volume of the value chain over time as domestic demand escalates and in-house scientific proficiency and capacity improve to meet the demand. Therefore, a coordinated and strategic approach is the urgent need of the hour. Continued government support through initiatives like the ACC PLI scheme is crucial. Policies that incentivize domestic production, research and development, and exploration of raw materials can help overcome challenges related to shortages and import dependency.

At the same time, investing in R&D to develop alternative battery chemicals or improve existing technologies can mitigate the impact of raw material shortages and reduce manufacturing costs. Most importantly, the challenges in this ecosystem can be addressed impeccably through collaboration with other countries, and international organizations can facilitate knowledge sharing, technology transfer, and access to raw materials. Establishing partnerships for the joint exploration and processing of resources can help diversify the supply chain.

What’s more essential is building infrastructure for mining, refining, and manufacturing batteries domestically. On the other hand, addressing environmental concerns associated with battery manufacturing is important. Implementing sustainable practices, such as recycling and minimizing resource consumption, can mitigate the environmental impact and ensure the long-term viability of the industry. By countering these challenges and implementing strategic solutions, the ACC ecosystem for batteries can be strengthened, enabling sustainable growth and competitiveness in the global market.

"Currently, India's ACC ecosystem is nascent, and we must wait a few years for the market to mature and address these challenges effectively. Advanced Chemistry Cells (ACC) represent innovative power storage technologies that have the potential to store electric energy as either electrochemical or chemical energy. They can subsequently convert this energy back into electricity as needed. Given the anticipated surge in battery demand over the next decade, almost all major global battery manufacturers are actively investing in ACC technology from a commercial standpoint," added Soumen.