With an aim to strengthe sustainable development and environmental stewardship, the Technology Development Board (TDB) has collaborated with M/s Remine India Private Limited to establish a commercial plant for recycling Lithium-ion batteries and e-waste. The agreement, signed on 27th March 2024 in New Delhi, marks a pivotal moment for indigenous technology in the recycling sector.
TDB has pledged a financial assistance of ₹ 7.5 crores out of the total project cost of ₹ 15 crores for the establishment of this plant at Eldeco, SIIDCUL Industrial Area in Sitarganj, Uttarakhand. The initiative will leverage indigenous technology developed by the Centre for Materials for Electronics Technology (CMET), Hyderabad, and is recognized as a matter of national significance.
The need for such initiatives has been underscored by the escalating imports of e-waste, particularly from spent Lithium-ion Batteries (LIBs) used in portable electronics, electric vehicles, and renewable energy storage systems globally. Current disposal methods, such as landfilling and incineration, pose environmental and safety concerns, highlighting the urgency for efficient recycling.
The lithium-ion battery recycling market is on a growth trajectory, projected to reach USD 14.89 billion by 2030 with a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 21.6%. However, the majority of Li-ion batteries currently end up in landfills, emphasizing the need for sustainable recycling solutions.
Rajesh Kumar Pathak, Secretary of TDB, emphasized the importance of this initiative in addressing India’s status as the 3rd largest e-waste generator globally. He stated, “TDB supporting this initiative would help to engage informal recyclers to connect with formal recyclers thereby contributing towards circular economy.”
