Battery recycling opportunity and challenges in India

Abstract

According to the United Nation (UN), India is the second-most populous country with 1.37 billion population in 2019, and is expected to add 273 million people by 2050. Reducing CO2 emission and meeting the energy requirement for such a large population, will be the major challenges for India’s sustainable development. This has given a spur to Electric Vehicle (EV) and renewable energy sector. Battery as energy storage systems can help in improving operational and energy evacuation issues associated with renewable energy. Government of India has the aspiration of 100% EV mobility by 2030 and its EV battery market is expected to grow by $300 billion during 2017–2030. However, batteries are associated with many issues such as its disposal as municipal solid toxic waste after its useful life. Proper utilization of waste batteries have two fold benefits, as these wastes are capable of creating a million-dollar economic opportunity as well as jobs for a country by efficient recycling of such wastes. According to a research by the JMK Research &Analytics, market of Lithium ion battery will grow at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 35.5% during 2018–2030 to reach 132 GWh, which shows the scope of battery recycling market as well. As per the JMK Research &Analytics report, the battery recycling market is estimated to be approximately $1000 million by 2030.The battery waste generation and environmental issues may negatively affect India’s target to become 100% EV country. In this regard, the present work targets to map the various battery recycling opportunities in India and challenges associated with its recycling. Further, the case studies of the battery recycling business and regulations, policies of other countries on battery recycling process are discussed. Additionally, two case studies are presented as the solutions to the challenges in the battery recycling.