The rising demand for Electric Vehicles (EVs) and energy storage requires new solutions for battery chemistry, raw materials, and minerals. By investing in Research and Development (R&D), it is possible to address large-scale EV adoption and the growing demand for EV batteries, while the decarbonization of the transport sector makes progress, decreasing the energy imports dependence. Moreover, the market for lithium batteries is expected to rise tenfold by 2030.
Therefore, over $192M allocated funds for advance R&D in the recycling of batteries for consumer products were announced by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). Besides, the Lithium-Ion Recycling Prize, which started in 2019, will be continued.
As said by the U.S. Secretary of Energy, Jennifer M. Granholm, “The United States is leading the way in developing advanced battery technologies that will power our clean energy future and boost our global competitiveness,”, adding that “Thanks to President Biden’s Investing in America agenda, these investments in battery production and recycling will ensure the U.S. has a secure and sustainable domestic supply chain and strengthens our economy.”
DOE’s funding opportunity of $125M for Consumer Electronics Battery Recycling is part of the $7B Bipartisan Infrastructure Law that secures the battery supply chain. Some of the advantages include helping retailers develop programs for the collection, sorting, storage, and transport of such batteries, assisting states and local governments to develop programs for battery collection, recycling, and reprocessing, enhancing consumer participation in existing battery recycling programs through education and behavior changes, and improving the economics of such recycling processes.
The funding possibility has a deadline of August 17, 2023, for concept papers and November 29, 2023, for full applications. The funding will be administered by the Vehicle Technologies Office of the DOE, as well as the Office of Manufacturing and Energy Supply Chains.
On the other hand, applications for the Advanced Battery R&D Consortium, with funding availability of $60M are due September 8, 2023. Last but not least, DOE announced $7.4M for the Lithium-Ion Battery Recycling Prize.
