The growing demand for lithium-ion batteries poses a crucial challenge: what happens to them at the end of their useful life? To ensure a sustainable future, it is essential to develop efficient recycling processes and explore new applications for these batteries. In doing so, we not only protect the environment, but also drive a circular economy based on the reuse of resources.
The recycling process of lithium batteries
Lithium batteries, although essential for the energy transition, have a limited life cycle. However, thanks to recycling, we can recover the valuable metals they contain and reintroduce them into the production chain. The process, which involves everything from collection to purification of materials, allows us to close the cycle and minimise the environmental impact, contributing to a more sustainable future.
Here are the steps:
- Collection and transport
- Dismantling
- Shredding and crushing
- Hydrometallurgical process
- Solid/liquid separation
- Precipitation and purification
Recovered metals, mainly lithium, cobalt and nickel, close the production cycle by being reused in the manufacture of new batteries or in other industries such as glass and ceramics. This practice promotes a circular economy and reduces dependence on finite natural resources.
Beyond Recycling: The Second Life of Batteries
Lithium batteries, once their original capacity is exhausted, find a second life in a variety of applications that contribute to a more sustainable future.
From renewable energy storage, enabling more efficient grid management, to powering light electric vehicles, these batteries demonstrate their versatility and potential to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels.
In addition, by extending their useful life, we reduce the generation of electronic waste and promote a circular economy.
Environmental benefits
The recovery of valuable materials from used batteries optimises production processes by reducing dependence on virgin raw materials and reducing the costs associated with waste management.
Reduction of greenhouse gas emissions
The manufacture of new batteries is energy-intensive and produces gases that damage the planet. At recycling used batteriesBy using our batteries, we reduce the need to produce new batteries, which helps to protect our environment.
Waste reduction and landfill disposal
Batteries contain toxic substances that, if improperly disposed of in landfills, can contaminate soil and water. By recycling and reusing batteries, we prevent these hazardous wastes from accumulating in landfills and ensure that their components are treated safely, thus minimising the risk of contamination.
Conservation of natural resources
By recycling, we reduce the need to extract new raw materials, which translates into less impact on ecosystems and greater protection of biodiversity.
Energy efficiency
Compared to the extraction and processing of raw materials, recycling requires less energy. This energy saving is significant and has a positive impact on the reduction of total energy consumption in the manufacturing industry.
NCPOWER, committed to sustainability
At NCPOWER we have collaborations with different partners, which are key to ensure the maximum lifetime of our batteries, and also to promote their recycling. In addition, we aim to maximise the potential of lithium, opening up new opportunities for innovation and progress.
