Centre to establish plant for recycling lithium-ion batteries and e-waste in Uttarakhand
New Delhi, April 2 (IANS): The Technology Development Board (TDB), under the Department of Science and Technology (DST), has announced a partnership with startup Remine India to develop a commercial plant for recycling lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries and e-waste using indigenous technology in Uttarakhand. The TDB will provide financial assistance of Rs. 7.5 crore out of the total project cost of Rs.15 crore, according to the Ministry of Science & Technology.
TDB Secretary Rajesh Kumar Pathak stated, “India is third in the world in terms of e-waste generation and significant efforts are required to curb the issue. TDB supporting this initiative would help to engage informal recyclers to connect with formal recyclers, thereby contributing towards a circular economy.” The new recycling plant will be located at Eldeco in Sitarganj’s SIIDCUL Industrial Area in the Udham Singh Nagar district.
The efficient recycling of Li-ion batteries, based on indigenous technology developed by the Centre for Materials for Electronics Technology (CMET), Hyderabad, plays a crucial role in providing secondary raw materials for cell manufacturing within the country, as per the Science Ministry. Importantly, the rising use of Lithium-ion Batteries (LIBs) in portable electronics, electric vehicles, and global renewable energy storage systems has led to increased imports of e-waste, necessitating proper recycling methods.
The Science Ministry emphasized the urgent need for recycling initiatives to address the growing e-waste issue, which is causing environmental and safety concerns. The lithium-ion battery recycling market is projected to reach $14.89 billion by 2030, with a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 21.6 per cent, highlighting the potential for value creation through metal retrieval from spent LIBs. Currently, only 5 percent of Li-ion batteries undergo recycling and reuse, with the majority ending up in landfills.
In addition, the ministry expressed concerns about the dominance of the informal sector in the e-waste sector, emphasizing the importance of efficient and environmentally friendly recycling methods to mitigate risks related to critical elements and reduce carbon footprints. Efforts such as the collaboration between TDB and Remine India are crucial in addressing the escalating battery waste issue and promoting sustainable practices in the recycling sector.
