dehradun

Updated: Dec 02, 2016 21:48 IST

Uttarakhand-born scientist Shailesh Upreti has bagged a $500,000 (Rs 34.12 crore) award for developing a long lasting lithium-ion battery.

Upreti was presented the 76West Clean Energy Competition–the largest clean technology business competition for green energy innovators–award in New York on November 30, for developing lithium-ion batteries by eliminating internal corrosion and with a lifespan of 20 years.

An alumnus of IIT-Delhi, Upreti has patented the technology he developed. His technology has already been licensed to a number of companies in the US and other countries to manufacture the next generation batteries that can be used to store solar energy as well as run electric vehicles, including cars, trucks and buses.

“The technology we continue to develop is carved out from a platform technology and there is a wide range of opportunities for companies,” Upreti told Hindustan Times in an e-mail.

“I would like to see youngsters taking interest in and be excited about how green technology will positively impact not only the economy but also the environment in coming years,” said Almora-born Upreti, who now spends most of his time in the US, developing technologies and promoting start-up companies.

He further said that he is also planning to manufacture the advanced Lithium-ion batteries in India.

Batteries are the future of energy technology that will replace polluting fossil fuels like diesel and petrol, he said.