Keltron Launches India’s First Supercapacitor Manufacturing Centre in Kannur
India has taken a significant leap forward in energy storage technology with the launch of the country’s first supercapacitor manufacturing centre at Keltron's facility in Kannur, Kerala. This pioneering project, with an overall investment of ₹42 crore, has completed its initial phase at a cost of ₹18 crore, marking an important milestone in India’s journey toward self-sufficiency in advanced electronic components.
The official inauguration of this state-of-the-art facility is set to be conducted by Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on October 1. The Industries Minister, P Rajeev, will preside over the event, highlighting the importance of this initiative for the country’s technological growth. The project was developed with vital support from the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), signalling its strategic importance, and the collaborative efforts that have brought it to fruition. Keltron has also teamed up with the Centre for Materials for Electronics Technology (C-MET) and the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), as well as several academic institutions, showcasing the interdisciplinary push to propel India to the forefront of supercapacitor technology.
A Glimpse Into The Future: What Are Supercapacitors?
Supercapacitors represent a transformative advancement in the energy storage sector. Unlike traditional batteries, which store energy chemically, supercapacitors store it electrostatically, allowing them to charge and discharge energy at much faster rates. They can deliver quick bursts of power, making them highly useful for a range of applications, from automotive systems and renewable energy storage to even spacecraft and military equipment.
Supercapacitors also have a much longer lifespan than conventional batteries, as they can endure thousands of charge-discharge cycles without degradation. This makes them ideal for industries that require frequent power cycling, such as electric vehicles, defence, and even energy-efficient buildings. Their ability to operate in extreme temperatures makes them particularly attractive for cold regions, where traditional batteries often struggle to perform. With the world shifting towards cleaner energy and electric mobility, the market for supercapacitors is expected to grow significantly in the coming years.
Cutting-Edge Manufacturing at Keltron
The Keltron Component Complex in Kannur is now equipped with advanced manufacturing capabilities that place India among a select group of nations with supercapacitor production expertise. The centre is fitted with high-tech dry rooms, built at a cost of ₹4 crore, ensuring the ideal environment for manufacturing these sensitive components. Machines sourced from various countries form the backbone of the production line, highlighting the global nature of the equipment involved.
Keltron plans to produce supercapacitors ranging from 3 to 500 farads, catering to various industries. These capacitors will be priced between ₹25 and ₹1,450, excluding GST, depending on their capacity. The facility has a production target of up to 2,000 units per day, with projections for an annual turnover of ₹22 crore within the first few years. By the fourth year, Keltron expects to see profits of ₹3 crore, demonstrating the commercial viability of the project.
ISRO's Influence and Collaborations
One of the most noteworthy aspects of this project is ISRO’s involvement. The Indian space agency's technical input has been crucial in shaping the development of the supercapacitors being produced at this facility. Given the complex and power-hungry nature of space missions, ISRO’s participation underscores the significance of supercapacitors in areas such as satellite technology and spacecraft, where compact and efficient energy storage is a necessity.
Keltron has also forged collaborations with other major research organisations like C-MET and DRDO. These partnerships reflect the widespread applicability of supercapacitors across industries, including defence, where quick energy surges are vital for modern warfare equipment. With supercapacitors becoming a preferred choice over traditional batteries in certain critical areas, the defence sector stands to benefit immensely from this new development.
Market Potential and Future Prospects
According to K G Krishnakumar, Managing Director of Keltron Component Complex, the potential for supercapacitors is immense. After nearly a decade of research and development, Keltron is now ready to capitalise on the growing demand for this advanced technology. The experimental supercapacitors produced at the facility have already shown promising results, leading to heightened market interest. As the global shift towards renewable energy and electric vehicles gains momentum, supercapacitors are positioned to play a key role, especially in electric mobility solutions where quick charging and long lifespans are critical.
Additionally, the increasing integration of supercapacitors in energy storage systems, automotive components, and military applications ensures a steady demand for these devices. With ongoing research and future technological advancements, the facility in Kannur is well-positioned to become a hub for supercapacitor manufacturing, potentially making India a global player in this domain.
The launch of the Supercapacitor Manufacturing Centre at Keltron's Kannur facility represents not only a triumph for Kerala but for India as a whole. This project signals a growing emphasis on self-reliance in critical technology areas and demonstrates the power of collaboration between government, industry, and academia. As the demand for more efficient energy storage solutions rises globally, this initiative places India firmly on the map in the field of advanced electronics manufacturing.
