In a nation racing toward clean energy goals, the latest innovation from Indian scientists may have quietly laid the foundation for a new era in power storage technology. A team of researchers from the Centre for Nano and Soft Matter Sciences (CeNS), Bengaluru, and Aligarh Muslim University has achieved a breakthrough that could redefine the future of supercapacitors—devices vital for powering electric vehicles, renewable energy grids, and next-generation electronics. Their innovation centers around lanthanum-doped silver niobate—a lead-free, environmentally friendly material that delivers unprecedented performance in terms of energy retention and charging efficiency. The most compelling result? A staggering 118% energy retention and 100% coulombic efficiency, even after prolonged usage cycles. In layman’s terms, the material doesn’t just store more power—it keeps it, and without wasting a drop. Unlike conventional batteries that degrade over time and have limitations in speed, supercapacitors charge faster and last longer but have traditionally been hampered by lower energy density. This new material addresses that key limitation, making supercapacitors not only viable but potentially superior alternatives for a range of applications—from mobile devices to electric mobility and industrial-scale renewable energy systems. India’s energy ambitions hinge on breakthroughs like this. With the country aiming to achieve Net Zero emissions by 2070 and to become a global leader in green technologies, investments in cutting-edge research are no longer optional—they’re imperative. What’s particularly noteworthy here is that this is a 100% indigenous effort, developed by Indian scientists using domestic infrastructure and insight. It’s a powerful reminder of what “Atmanirbhar Bharat” can look like when science and policy move in sync. The government’s support through institutions like DST has borne fruit, and the success should now be followed by efforts to scale up and commercialize the technology. This includes forging industry-academia linkages, funding pilot manufacturing units, and securing rare-earth elements like lanthanum in sustainable ways. India is already making its mark on the global stage with its prowess in space, digital governance, and pharmaceuticals. The time is ripe to add green innovation to that list. This new energy material may be microscopic in scale, but its impact on our collective future could be massive. The lab has spoken—now it’s time for industry and government to listen and act.
