Global battery demand is expected to surge from 282GWh in 2020 to ~2,623GWh by 2030, posing sustainability challenges. The RECIRCULATE project addresses this by extending battery lifespans through innovative reuse strategies, enabling second- and third-life applications to maximize value and reduce costs per kWh. By promoting a circular economy, the project minimizes waste, reduces the need for new resources, and supports the EU's goal of cutting greenhouse gas emissions by 55% by 2030, driving decarbonization and resource efficiency.
The project aims to address key challenges hindering broad battery reuse:
• Limited Lifespan & High Disposal Rates: Lack of reliable methods to assess and extend battery life leads to premature disposal and wasted potential.
• Safety Risks: Improper handling, transport, and reuse pose risks like fires, chemical leaks, and explosions.
• Inefficient Sorting & Characterization: Current technologies are slow, unreliable, and insufficient for circular economy demands.
• Fragmented Supply Chains: Inconsistent data and processes disrupt the efficient transfer of batteries across life cycles.
RECIRCULATE focuses on six key pillars to address battery challenges and promote sustainability:
• Fast and Accurate Sorting: Developing rapid technologies to categorize batteries by type, chemistry, and condition for efficient reuse or recycling.
• Safe Storage and Transportation: Creating smart logistics solutions to ensure the safe handling and transport of batteries.
• SoX Characterization: Implementing reliable, cost-effective methods to assess battery health and maximize their use.
• Automated Dismantling: Using AI-driven robotized systems for safe, efficient battery disassembly, reducing risks and speeding up processes.
• Repair, Reuse, and Remanufacture: Facilitating battery repair and refurbishment to extend lifespans and minimize waste.
• Blockchain Battery Passport and Marketplace: Establishing a digital platform to track, trade, and manage batteries transparently and efficiently within the circular economy.
RECIRCULATE will contribute towards a number of EU initiatives particularly in economic & green
growth:
-2020 Circular Economy Action Plan which has the aim of making sustainable products the norm
in the EU.
-European Green Deal that aims that batteries are more sustainable throughout their life cycle.
-The project addresses the three core objectives of the European Growth Model which are based on moving towards a resilient, green and digital economy. These will bring multiple benefits to the EU across the environment, health, security of supply and economy.
The project will assess social impacts using UNEP's Social LCA Guidelines, focusing on human rights, working conditions, and sustainability across the global value chain. Key socio-economic issues addressed include:
1. Cost barriers: Reducing dismantling/recycling costs to improve battery access for poorer communities.
2. Mining impacts: Mitigating social and environmental harms of primary resource mining through reuse, recycling, and secure supply chains.
3. Battery waste: Developing sustainable dismantling/recycling methods and educating stakeholders to promote adoption of battery technologies.
RECIRCULATE is powered by a consortium of 11 partners from 8 countries, combining the strengths of tech startups, academia, and industry leaders to drive forward the future of sustainable battery use. The partnership is led by Finnish University of Applied Sciences Centria, and the other 10 partners are: Probot (Finland), CSEM (Switzerland), Libattion (Switzerland), Eurecat (Spain), ECOSTOR (Norway), Ford-Otosan((Turkey), DHL (Turkey), GelKoh (Germany), Minespider (Germany) and Iconiq Innovation (UK).
