Lithium-ion batteries are a rapidly growing technology, used to power everything from our mobile phones to electric vehicles to renewable energy systems. Lithium-ion batteries generally have a much longer lifespan than anti-EV commentators would lead people to believe, and once they’re too degraded for vehicle use, they serve for years more doing stationary energy storage. But, they eventually get to the point where they are no longer useful and will need to be recycled.
In short, the importance of lithium-ion battery recycling cannot be overstated. It is essential to reduce environmental harm, conserve valuable resources, and support the ongoing growth of sustainable energy technologies. Li-Cycle’s advanced hydrometallurgical technology will be utilized to establish the Portovesme Hub, which is expected to become Europe’s biggest manufacturer of sustainable battery grade products. Portovesme, located in Sardinia, Italy is home to a lead-zinc smelter and hydrometallurgical facility that began operating in 1929.
Li-Cycle and Glencore intend to form a 50/50 joint venture that will repurpose a portion of Glencore’s existing metallurgical complex in Portovesme, Italy, to establish the Portovesme Hub. The plan is to achieve a cost-efficient and accelerated development process. The project will also involve Glencore, providing competitive long-term financing to fund Li-Cycle’s portion of the capital investment.