Batteries and energy storage – improving the value chain of batteries

Update

There is a rapid increase in the use of especially Li-ion batteries in consumer mobility, electronics and energy systems. These chains are still mostly linear, so that new raw materials become more difficult to obtain and, at the same time, there is a threat of a large mountain of waste. In this relevance document we give an accessible overview of the topic.

3 November 2022

CIRCO-Track-Batterijen-voor-elektrisch-vervoer

The demand for Li-ion batteries is growing rapidly, especially due to the electrification of mobility. The use of Li-ion batteries in consumer electronics and energy systems is also booming. It is expected that 11 million tons of Li-ion batteries will reach the end of their life between now and 2030. At the same time there is a risk of raw material scarcity, dependence and various threats to the environment and human rights.

Circularity reduces the negative impact of raw material extraction for batteries, reduces the dependance on raw materials, and offers business opportunities.

In the relevance document ‘Batteries and energy storage – improving the value chain of batteries’ an accessible overview is given on the development of circularity in batteries. It touches upon specific environmental impact of the sector, market opportunities and threats, business relevance and knowledge gaps.