Fortum and Hydrovolt Collaborate to Advance Sustainable Battery Recycling Initiatives
Fortum Battery Recycling and Hydrovolt, a key player in Nordic battery recycling, have recently entered into a strategic partnership aimed at enhancing the process of battery material recycling. This collaboration marks a significant step in the sustainable handling and reprocessing of electric vehicle (EV) batteries, with a process that spans across the Nordic region.
The process begins at Hydrovolt’s state-of-the-art industrial plant in Fredrikstad, Norway, where EV batteries undergo mechanical recycling. Here, the batteries are crushed, turning them into a substance known as black mass. This black mass is then transported to Fortum’s advanced hydrometallurgical plant in Harjavalta, Finland.
Utilizing sophisticated techniques, Fortum’s facility focuses on extracting valuable and critical metals from the black mass. These metals are crucial components in the production of new lithium-ion batteries, thereby supporting a more sustainable and circular economy in the battery manufacturing sector.
Fortum Battery Recycling, with its extensive knowledge and experience in lithium-ion battery recycling, along with Hydrovolt’s innovative recycling process, aims to redefine the lithium-ion battery value chain for both electric vehicle and industrial applications. This partnership not only strengthens their presence in the Nordic region but also emphasizes their commitment to environmental sustainability and the promotion of closed-loop systems in battery recycling.
Tero Holländer, the Head of Fortum Battery Recycling, has expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership, highlighting the synergy between the two companies in their pursuit of providing safe, efficient, and sustainable battery recycling solutions. Similarly, Ole-Christen Enger, CEO of Hydrovolt, praised the collaboration for setting a precedent in sustainable battery recycling practices in the Nordics, focusing on the importance of securing critical raw materials through innovative recycling methods.
This partnership gains further significance in light of the European Union’s new sustainable batteries regulation. The regulation mandates an increase in the use of recycled materials in batteries across various industries, aiming for cleaner electrification and sustainability. The collaboration between Fortum Battery Recycling and Hydrovolt is a crucial step toward meeting these objectives, demonstrating the power of joint efforts in advancing the battery recycling industry and contributing to a more sustainable future.
