The recycling of lithium-ion batteries remains one of the key environmental challenges associated with electric vehicles. (Photo by Smile Fight vis Shutterstock)

Glencore, FCC Ámbito and Iberdrola have announced a new partnership for the recycling of lithium-ion batteries in Spain and Portugal.

The group seeks to develop recycling and second-life solutions for lithium-ion batteries using scrap from battery production and end-of-life batteries.

Related Company Profiles

View all

A purpose-built facility is due to be developed for the recycling of batteries, the location of the factory is yet to be determined.

The project will combine the expertise of Glencore, a major mining company, renewables developer Iberdrola and FCC Ámbito, a subsidiary of FCC Servicios Medio Ambiente, that deals with commercial and industrial waste.

According to a statement from the three companies the facility will “focus on the pre-processing of lithium-ion batteries and battery scrap, separating such feed into distinct streams for further downstream refining and recovery of battery metals”.

The factory will be run by FCC. María J. Kaifer, technical director and head of circular economy at FCC said of the project: “The recycling of lithium-ion batteries is a challenge that we face together with two leading companies in their sectors, Iberdrola and Glencore, in order to join efforts to guarantee the recycling capabilities of the chain”.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

The project will be conducted in collaboration with the Iberian Energy Storage Research Centre, which has already conducted research into the capabilities of existing battery recycling.

As the demand for lithium batteries increases, so too does demand for recycling. The recycling of battery materials is expected to reach 35,000 tonnes annually in Spain by 2035.

Lithium batteries are constructed from a number of different parts making their recycling challenging due to the need to separate all elements. Currently, only 5% of the world’s lithium batteries are recycled.