Battery Circulation

The path of used batteries is a very relevant material loop, where the possibilities of recycling existing batteries are being developed , which is crucial for a sustainable change in the global energy system.

Lithium-ion batteries are used in electric vehicles, bicycles, scooters, and are also found in laptops, smartphones, hand tools, and other electronic devices. They are essential for storing renewable energy during climate emergencies.

The world's current mining activity cannot produce enough lithium and other key minerals to meet the skyrocketing demand for these batteries. Establishing new mines is expensive and time-consuming. Mining also causes many environmental problems, such as depleting local water resources and polluting the surrounding area with waste.

The battery market will grow 10 times over the next decade. To alleviate the growing problems of the market, the recycling of lithium-ion batteries and the return of batteries or of individual materials in the supply chain, is crucial.

We will investigate where there are opportunities in the local environment to design feedback loops that would extend the life of batteries.