Three companies have partnered to provide lithium-ion battery recycling at scale in Spain and Portugal. Glencore, FCC Ámbito and Iberdrola say they plan recycle the batteries at a new purpose-built facility that would offer ‘second life repurposing’ as well as true end-of-life recycling.
FCC Ámbito is a subsidiary of industrial and commercial waste management company FCC Servicios Medio Ambiente. Iberdrola is an energy company (and parent of Scottish Power), while Glencore is a diversified natural resources company and a major producer of battery metals. With the Iberian Energy Storage Research Centre, the partners have assessed existing battery recycling capabilities, and feed availability in the region. The three plan to offer comprehensive recycling and second life solutions for lithium-ion batteries, both from gigafactory production scrap and from end-of-life batteries. The recycling of battery materials is expected to reach 35kt annually in Spain by 2035 including production scrap.
The recycling facility, whose location is not yet decided, will be operated by FCC Ámbito and 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.
Álvaro Portellano, Global Head of PERSEO Venture Builder, Iberdrola, said: “In 2020, Iberdrola’s PERSEO Venture Builder programme was launched to promote the development of innovative industries, such as those involved with circular economy. In that regard, we are excited to combine that aim with the strengths and capabilities of Glencore and FCC, global leaders in the natural resources and the waste management industries, respectively, to lead the lithium-ion battery recycling in the Iberian Peninsula.”
Kunal Sinha, Global Head of Recycling, Glencore, said the project “supports our ambition to grow our recycling business in new markets”. He added, “We are particularly thrilled to launch this project in Spain where Glencore has been operating one of the world’s largest zinc smelters since 1960.
“At Glencore, we view production scrap as well as post-consumer materials as a valuable resource that will help supply the increasing demand for critical metals in support of the energy transition and the world’s net zero ambition.”