Page 192 - CW E-Magazine (11-6-2024)

Special Report

Charging towards sustainability: The circular

revolution of EV battery recycling

lectric vehicles (EVs) are not age. The production or manufacturing
just the future of transportation – of sustainable cathode materials would ANKIT SHARMA
Ethey represent a pivotal step further give a fi llip to the EV battery Co-Founder & Director
towards a sustainable energy ecosystem. recycling industry to meet the vision Vidyuta Materials Pvt. Ltd.
However, as the adoption of EVs of a circular economy. 200% year-on-year growth in EV sales
grows, so does the question of what to post-pandemic. However, recycling mo-
do with their batteries once they reach Repurposing for second life dern batteries, with their complex material
the end of their primary life cycle. When EV batteries reach the end of composition, demands specialized policies
Fortunately, through refurbishment, their primary life, they still retain sub- and infrastructure for India to achieve
repurposing, and recycling with the stantial energy capacity. Instead of dis- its recycling objectives. Apart from
help of sustainable cathode materials, posing off these batteries, repurposing that, the government’s introduction of
we can extend the lifespan of lithium- them for second or third-life applica- Battery-Waste Management Rules-2022
ion EV batteries and unlock valuable tions using sustainable cathode materials underscores a commitment to responsible
resources for a greener tomorrow. presents a more sustainable alternative. battery management. By incentivizing re-
Rapid advancements in battery recycling cycling and promoting the use of sustain-
Between 2010 and 2018, global bat- technologies have enabled us to achieve able cathode materials in new batteries,
tery demand surged annually by 30%, impressive recovery rates, a process India aims to reduce reliance on imports
reaching 180 GWh in 2018. Continuing known as urban mining. As battery and foster domestic battery manufactur-
this trend, the market is projected to volumes are projected to increase signifi - ing. This proactive approach aligns with
expand at a rate of approximately 25% cantly by 2030, the urban mining industry India’s broader vision of sustainable
per year, hitting 2,600 GWh by 2030. is poised for substantial growth. development and economic growth.
This growth is primarily propelled by the
electrifi cation of transportation and the Global trends in battery recycling A vision for a sustainable future
increased use of batteries in electricity Europe leads the charge in battery re- At the vanguard of the energy stor-
grids. The rapid expansion of the lithium- cycling, supported by robust regulatory age sector, numerous Indian entities
ion battery industry has revolutionized frameworks that mandate producers to dedicated to battery recycling lead the
energy storage but poses environmental manage the end-of-life of their batteries charge in innovation. Focusing on the
challenges in cathode manufacturing due responsibly. China, the largest EV and production of cathode active materials
to primary material extraction. To address battery market globally, has also imple- (CAM) for lithium-ion cells, these
concerns such as resource depletion and mented policies requiring manufacturers pioneers exemplify a dedication to
emissions, the industry is increasingly to recycle a signifi cant portion of used sustainability and technological progress.
embracing recycling as a sustainable batteries by 2025. In the US, initiatives Their vision entails establishing a
solution for cathode material production. like the Department of Energy’s focus closed-loop battery ecosystem, poised to
on developing recycling technologies transform the energy storage landscape
The power of circular economy highlight a growing emphasis on battery not only in India, but also globally.
In embracing a circular economy recycling. With the Li-ion battery market Through inventive recycling methods
model, we recognize the importance projected to soar, the recycling sector and and strategic resource management,
of maximizing resource effi ciency and cathode materials industry are poised for these companies or startups aspire
minimizing waste. By refurbishing, substantial growth, offering lucrative to realise a future characterised by
repurposing, and recycling EV batteries, opportunities for sustainable innovation. abundant, cost-effective, and eco-
we not only reduce environmental friendly power solutions. Apart from
impact, but also create economic op- Shaping the future in India that, Indian players in the battery
portunities within the battery industry. Niti Aayog forecasts India’s EV bat- recycling ecosystem are also making
This paradigm shift towards circularity tery recycling market to skyrocket to efforts towards reducing the reliance on
is essential for fostering sustainability 128-GWh by 2030, up from just 2-GWh critical minerals from other countries
and driving innovation in energy stor- in 2023. This surge is fuelled by over a such as China, which today remains

192 Chemical Weekly June 11, 2024

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