Indian companies working on recycling and repurposing of lithium batteries
Lithium batteries are widely used in electric vehicles (EVs) and electronic devices, as they offer high energy density, long lifespan, and environmental benefits.
However, as the demand for lithium batteries grows, so does the challenge of managing their end-of-life. Improper disposal of lithium batteries can pose environmental and safety risks, as they contain toxic and flammable materials. Moreover, relying on mining for lithium and other metals can be costly and unsustainable, as these resources are finite and have a high carbon footprint.
To address these challenges, some Indian companies are working on recycling and repurposing of lithium batteries, as part of a circular economy approach. A circular economy is a system that aims to eliminate waste and pollution, keep products and materials in use, and regenerate natural systems. By applying circular economy principles to lithium batteries, these companies are creating value from waste, reducing the need for mining, and promoting a sustainable and low-carbon future.
Recycling of lithium batteries
Recycling of lithium batteries involves recovering valuable materials such as lithium, cobalt, nickel, and manganese from spent batteries and using them to produce new batteries or other products. Recycling can help conserve natural resources, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and create new revenue streams.
Some of the Indian companies that are involved in recycling and of lithium batteries are:
✅ Attero Recycling: This Noida-based company claims to be the world’s most advanced Li-ion battery recycling company, with a patented technology that can recover up to 98% of the materials from lithium batteries. The company has tie-ups with almost 90% of automobile OEMs in India, and also recycles e-waste and other metals.
✅ Exigo Recycling: This Haryana-based company offers a complete solution for lithium battery recycling, from collection and transportation to processing and refining. The company uses a hydrometallurgical process that can recover up to 95% of the materials from lithium batteries. The company also recycles lead-acid batteries and e-waste.
✅ Lohum Cleantech: This Delhi-based company uses a mechanical process to recycle lithium batteries, which is cheaper and faster than the hydrometallurgical process. The company can recover up to 90% of the materials from lithium batteries and also produces battery packs from recycled cells.
Repurposing of lithium batteries
Repurposing of lithium batteries involves using second-life batteries from EVs or other sources for applications such as energy storage systems (ESS), backup power, or microgrids. Repurposing can help extend the lifespan of lithium batteries, reduce the cost of ESS, and provide access to clean and reliable energy.
Some of the Indian companies that are involved in repurposing of lithium batteries are:
✅ Ziptrax: This company collects used lithium batteries from electric vehicles and repurposes them for second-life applications such as energy storage, backup power, and microgrids. Ziptrax claims to have developed a patented technology that can extend the life of lithium batteries by up to 4 times.
✅ Lohum Cleantech: This company also collects and repurposes used lithium batteries from electric vehicles and electronics. Lohum Cleantech uses a proprietary process to extract valuable materials from the batteries and reuse them for making new battery packs. The company also provides battery diagnostics and management solutions.
✅ BatX Energies: This company focuses on developing innovative solutions for lithium battery recycling and repurposing. BatX Energies has developed a modular and scalable technology that can recover up to 95% of the materials from lithium batteries and convert them into high-purity products. The company also offers battery swapping and leasing services for electric vehicles.
✅ ION Energy: This Mumbai-based company provides battery management systems and software for EVs and ESS, using second-life batteries from cars and bikes. The company also offers ESS solutions for residential, commercial, and industrial customers, using repurposed batteries. The company claims to have deployed over 60 MWh of ESS across India, Southeast Asia, and Europe.
✅ Grinntech: This Chennai-based company produces battery packs and modules for EVs and ESS, using second-life batteries from cars and bikes. The company also offers ESS solutions for rural electrification, telecom towers, and microgrids, using repurposed batteries. The company claims to have a recycling capacity of 500 tonnes of lithium batteries per year.
Impact of circular economy on Indian ESS market
The Indian ESS market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 27% from 2020 to 2026, reaching 4.7 GWh by 2026, according to a report by JMK Research. The growth drivers for the ESS market include the increasing adoption of renewable energy, the rising demand for grid stability, and the growing need for energy access in remote areas.
The circular economy approach can have a positive impact on the Indian ESS market, as it can offer the following benefits:
✅ Cost reduction: Repurposing of lithium batteries can reduce the cost of ESS by 30-50%, as compared to using new batteries, according to a study by The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI). This can make ESS more affordable and attractive for customers, especially in rural and off-grid areas.
✅ Resource efficiency: Recycling and repurposing of lithium batteries can reduce the dependence on imported raw materials, which account for 60-70% of the cost of lithium batteries, according to a report by NITI Aayog. This can improve the resource efficiency and self-reliance of the Indian ESS industry, and also create new jobs and value addition.
✅ Environmental sustainability: Recycling and repurposing of lithium batteries can reduce the environmental impact of ESS, by avoiding landfilling, incineration, or dumping of spent batteries, which can cause soil and water contamination, fire hazards, and greenhouse gas emissions. This can also help India achieve its climate goals and commitments under the Paris Agreement.
Lithium batteries are essential for the transition to a low-carbon and electrified future, but they also pose challenges for their end-of-life management. Recycling and repurposing of lithium batteries can offer a circular economy solution, that can create value from waste, conserve natural resources, and promote a sustainable and low-carbon future. Indian companies are working on recycling and repurposing of lithium batteries, and are contributing to the growth and development of the Indian ESS market.
