LICO Materials, a pioneering lithium-ion battery recycling company, has launched an innovative battery recycling facility in Bengaluru, taking a significant step toward supporting India’s ambitious goal of 30% electric vehicle (EV) adoption by 2030. This state-of-the-art facility is poised to address critical challenges in the EV supply chain while promoting sustainability.
Key Features of the Battery Recycling Facility in Bengaluru
- Processing Capacity: The plant is designed to recycle 4 GWh of batteries annually, with plans to scale up to 10 GWh over the next three to four years.
- Zero-Liquid-Discharge Technology: The facility employs cutting-edge processes, ensuring environmental sustainability by eliminating liquid waste.
- Annual Recycling Capacity: It can recycle and repurpose 17,500 tonnes of lithium-ion batteries each year, with an ambitious target of processing 200,000 tonnes by 2027.
Future Expansion: Hydrometallurgy Plant
In a parallel development, LICO Materials is set to invest Rs. 250 crore over the next two to three years in establishing a downstream hydrometallurgy plant. Key details include:
- Advanced Metal Recovery: The plant will extract critical metal salts like lithium, cobalt, and nickel from black mass generated during recycling.
- Battery-Grade Purity: Materials will meet battery-grade standards, suitable for reuse in gigafactories and energy storage systems.
- Circular Economy: This initiative will close the loop in the battery materials supply chain, supporting a sustainable EV ecosystem.
Driving India’s EV Revolution
LICO’s CEO, Gaurav Dolwani, highlighted the company’s commitment to enabling India’s EV transition:
“With feasibility studies completed, we are finalizing plans for our hydrometallurgy plant. The facility will meet the surging demand for recycled battery materials, driven by the EV industry’s exponential growth, expected to multiply by 2032.”
This strategic move positions LICO as a key enabler in addressing the critical shortage of battery materials while contributing to India’s energy-efficient future.
Economic and Environmental Impact
The Bengaluru facility is not just a technological milestone but also a significant economic and environmental achievement:
- Job Creation: The facility and upcoming expansions will generate employment opportunities, boosting the local economy.
- Sustainability Goals: By recycling lithium-ion batteries, LICO reduces dependency on raw material mining and minimizes waste, aligning with India’s sustainability objectives.
FAQs About LICO Materials and Battery Recycling
Q1: What is the annual recycling capacity of LICO’s Bengaluru facility?
The facility can recycle 4 GWh of batteries annually, with plans to increase this to 10 GWh in the next three to four years.
Q2: What is the significance of the hydrometallurgy plant?
The hydrometallurgy plant will extract battery-grade metal salts like lithium, cobalt, and nickel, enabling a circular economy in the EV supply chain.
Q3: How does LICO’s recycling process contribute to sustainability?
LICO employs a zero-liquid-discharge process, ensuring that the recycling facility operates without generating harmful liquid waste, thus reducing environmental impact.
Q4: What is the projected impact on India’s EV industry?
By providing recycled battery materials, LICO supports India’s goal of 30% EV adoption by 2030, addressing critical supply chain challenges and reducing reliance on imported materials.
Q5: How much investment is planned for the hydrometallurgy plant?
LICO is investing Rs. 250 crore in this advanced facility, which is expected to be operational within two to three years