Advanced Chemistry Cell (ACC) Battery Sector Gets Least Traction Under PLI: Data

India has approved only four applications for Advanced Chemistry Cell (ACC) batteries and 14 for solar modules under its production-linked incentive (PLI) scheme as of June 2025, according to government data. This could be attributed to the lower technologically advanced technology available in the landscape in this segment, leading to lower offtake. 

The Government of India has approved the PLI ACC scheme under 'National Programme on Advanced Chemistry Cell (ACC) Battery Storage' in May 2021, with an outlay of Rs. 18,100 Crore for 50 GWh capacity for a 5-year period after a gestation period of 2 years. The PLI ACC scheme aims to enhance domestic cell production, reducing reliance on imports and lowering the overall costs of cell manufacturing.

The figures, shared in the Lok Sabha, show the two sectors received the lowest approvals out of 806 cleared across 14 industries, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said in a written reply.

The minister explained, "Actual investment of Rs. 1.90 lakh crore has been realized till June 2025 across 14 sectors, which has resulted in incremental production/sales of over Rs. 17 lakh crore and  employment generation of over 12.3 lakhs (both direct and indirect)."

The minister explained the impact of the PLI scheme on the 14 targeted segments. He said, "PLI Schemes have witnessed exports surpassing Rs. 7.5 lakh crore with significant contributions from sectors such as electronics, pharmaceuticals, telecom & networking products, food processing, among others."

Expanding Lithium-Ion Battery 

In a separate statement, the Minister of State for Heavy Industries & Steel, Bhupathiraju Srinivasa Varma, said that out of 50 GWh ACC capacity, 40 GWh ACC capacity has already been awarded in two rounds to four beneficiary firms.

The minister said in a written reply in the Lok Sabha, "The 40 GWh Capacity is end-use agnostic and can be utilized for any application, including e-vehiclesand Stationary Energy Storage Systems, apart from consumer electronics, rail, defence, etc. Further, 10 GWh capacity has been earmarked for Grid Scale Stationary Storage (GSSS) applications."