Information session international Value Chain-Track ‘Energy Storage Systems’

Circular Business & Design for Energy Storage Systems

– “Every value loss is a business opportunity” – CIRCO 

Due to the rapid increase in demand for batteries – both for EVs and for ESS – the need for the required raw materials will increase significantly over the coming years. As a result, there’s an increasing global shortage in cobalt, lithium, nickel and manganese.  At least until new generations of batteries are developed.

Closing the cycle efficiently is a necessary step in recovering all raw materials – scarce or not – at a high quality level in order to reuse them in the energy storage value chain. Preferably within the EU itself. To achieve this, the industry must invest more in new recycling technologies and installations, as well as in (new) solutions for refurbishing and reuse.

This international CIRCO Track brings together stakeholders across the energy storage value chain – from the Netherlands ánd Germany – in order to collectively identify circular opportunities and prevent waste & value loss.

Information session

During the online information session on the 15th of October we will tell you all about the international CIRCO Value Chain-Track for energy storage systems, our signature CIRCO method and the circular economy. If you are considering joining the CIRCO Value Chain-Track or are wondering whether it is something you could participate in, please join us and ask all your questions!

Results from the international CIRCO Value Chain-Track

• You will develop new circular business propositions for your organization and the value chain. By working together with stakeholders across the chain, you will make your ideas smarter and more feasible. You may even end up with new partners.
• It prepares you for upcoming laws and regulations and gives you an understanding of possible long-term system changes.
• You will leave with a clear, concrete plan for a circular product or service that can be implemented in your company in the short term.

EU Regulation – stimulating circularity

The EU Battery Directive, in force since 2023, dictates stricter measures for the entire life cycle of the battery; from the raw materials to the end of life. There are specific targets for the collection of portable batteries, as well as recycling and recovery targets for all waste batteries. By 2030, 70% of the volume of discarded portable batteries must be collected, and 80-90% of the existing lithium must be recycled. These recycled materials are required to be used in the production of new batteries.

Lifespan Extension: a new focus

Dismantled EV batteries typically retain around 80% of their original capacity. This make them unsuitable for further use in EV, but highly valuable for stationary ESS. By repurposing them for stationary applications, the total lifespan of the batteries can be doubled from approx. 10 yrs to up to 20.

This approach reduces the demand for scarce raw materials and eases pressure on existing recycling infrastructure. In fact, second-life EV batteries have the potential to meet a significant share of the demand for grid-scale ESS. Provided they are technically suitable and originally designed for reuse, repair, and refurbishment, for example through the replacement of faulty cells.

Circular business opportunities

Maximizing the circular economy for batteries means keeping batteries in use as long as possible, even beyond their first life. The less modification required for second-life use- including repair and refurbishment – the more economically and environmentally attractive the solution. Recycling, while essential, should be the last resort.

Developing new circular business models for energy storage presents challenges around ownership, safety, and the organization of the value chain. For reuse to be commercially viable, cost-effective solutions must be found for Diagnosis, Repair, Refurbishment, and adaptation to new applications. Overcoming these barriers unlocks significant value and sustainability benefits for the entire battery ecosystem.

Leading by Example

The Netherlands is home to inspiring examples of circular battery innovation. NOWOS repairs and refurbishes batteries for bicycles and scooters, extending their lifespan and reducing waste. In repurposing, Battery-as-a-Service gives used lead-acid batteries a second life as stationary energy storage. Construction and development company BAM has equipped the Johan Cruijff ArenA in Amsterdam with a powerful energy storage system built from second-life EV batteries.

CIRCO Track – working together in the chain

This international CIRCO Value Chain-Track brings together stakeholders across the energy storage value chain – from Netherlands ánd Germany – in order to collectively identify circular opportunities and prevent waste & value loss.

How can your organization seize these opportunities? What are the implications for your products, services, and business models? And how can you collaborate more effectively with partners throughout the chain?

International CIRCO Value Chain-Track Energy Storage Systems

+ 3 workshop days + 1 online meeting
+ Dutch and German companies
+ Interaction and Cooperation within the value chain
+ Individual work and Trainer Calls
+ Dedicated e-learning environment
+ Support from experienced CIRCO Trainers