Que: What strategies does Eastman use to stay ahead of rapidly evolving regulations in the solar and EV industries globally?

Ans: At Eastman Auto and Power, our core philosophy emphasises focusing on controllable factors while adapting seamlessly to prevailing policy frameworks, such as the National Solar Mission, the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM), FAME II, and the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme. We operate with the belief that by concentrating on what lies within our control, we can thrive under any regulatory regime. This commitment to enhancing product and service offerings ensures the company remains competitive and relevant regardless of evolving regulations.

Aligning with the regulations, we prioritise continuous improvement of our value propositions for end consumers. This commitment to enhancing our product and service offerings ensures that we remain competitive and relevant, regardless of evolving regulations, maintaining a 5X expansion in the last five years. Finally, as fast followers in the solar and EV space, we maintain a technology-agnostic approach. This flexibility allows us to readily adapt to changes in PV and energy storage technologies, ensuring our offerings remain compatible with the latest advancements, irrespective of regulatory shifts.

Que: How does Eastman Auto & Power address the unique challenges of solar energy storage, particularly in diverse geographical regions?

Ans: Our approach to solar energy storage begins with a deep understanding of the application and the ‘job to be done’. We recognise that user behaviour and application needs vary significantly across different consumer segments and geographical regions. This understanding forms the foundation of our product and solution offerings, ensuring that they are tailored to specific market requirements.

Additionally, we focus on increasing value propositions by using durable materials, component selection, backward integration and providing efficient service across our range of off-grid and on-grid solar solutions. This emphasis addresses a key challenge in solar energy storage, particularly in regions where reliable power is crucial for essential appliances and equipment. By catering to the specific power demands of these applications, we provide solutions that enhance the practicality and value of solar energy systems in diverse environments.

We are proud to be recognised as a manufacturer of non-automotive tubular batteries with the largest manufacturing capacity in India and the largest exporter of solar batteries, with a strong presence in well-developed markets such as the Middle East, Africa, and Asia. Our prospects in the inverter battery market are premised on our extensive product portfolio, which includes a wide spectrum of capacities ranging from 100Ah to 400Ah, making us a one-stop solution for diverse power needs.

Que: Could you explain the research and development process for a new solar or EV product at Eastman? What steps are involved from concept to commercialisation?

Ans: Our research and development process for new solar and EV products begins with continuous scouting for opportunities and follows a structured approach encompassing several critical stages. Our R&D team comprises engineers and international product experts stationed at our three dedicated R&D centres. Our R&D efforts include environmentally conscious recycling practices and the use of advanced chemistries for energy storage. We have filed 44 design patents, along with 5 process patents and 7 product patents, reflecting our commitment to innovation.

We formulate new product business cases based on three key dimensions. First, we explore new technologies that can enhance existing applications and benefit current customers, leveraging our established market presence and customer relationships.

Second, we investigate adjacencies with current technologies and operations, enabling efficient resource allocation and fostering synergies. Third, continuous market studies play a vital role in identifying emerging trends, unmet needs, and potential market gaps, ensuring our product development decisions align with evolving customer demands.

This comprehensive process includes conceptualisation and market research, prototyping and material selection, testing and validation, software and systems integration, and pilot production with rigorous quality assurance. By integrating these steps with our strategic focus areas, we aim to deliver innovative, efficient, and commercially viable products in the solar and EV sectors.

Que: What role does Eastman foresee for artificial intelligence in enhancing the performance of its solar and EV solutions?

Ans: We are actively monitoring the developments in artificial intelligence and formulating plans for incorporating AI into our offerings. The company recognises the significant potential of AI in enhancing our solar and EV solutions. One key area where we anticipate AI's impact is predictive maintenance and performance analysis. By leveraging AI algorithms, we envision enabling predictive maintenance capabilities that can extend the lifespan of our systems. Overall, we view AI as a crucial element in making our solar and EV products more efficient, reliable, and sustainable in the future.

Que: What future technologies are Eastman exploring to enhance its solar energy storage and EV charging capabilities?

Ans: We position ourselves as an innovator in the energy transition space, constantly seeking advancements in solar energy storage and EV charging. Looking ahead, we intend to actively participate in the power electronics and manufacturing aspects of solar technology. This strategic focus will allow us to contribute to the core infrastructure of solar energy systems. Furthermore, we are exploring alternative chemistries for energy storage, advanced battery technologies, high-performance battery components and the use of AI for predictive analysis. This research aims to improve the performance, safety, and sustainability of our storage solutions. Our commitment to innovation ensures that we continue to provide cutting-edge solutions that meet the needs of our customers while supporting global sustainability goals. By pursuing these technological advancements, we aim to remain at the forefront of the evolving energy landscape.