Focus on sustainability in battery research and development as enabler for circular economy

Join us at EU Green Week for an insightful event titled ‘Focus on Sustainability in Battery Research and Development as Enabler for Circular Economy’ at MEET Battery Research Centre of the University of Münster. Strengthening the circular economy of batteries remains one of the most crucial topics for research and development. In addition to high energy density, a longer lifecycle, maximum safety, and the lowest possible costs, sustainable materials and resource-efficient battery production processes are essential to achieving this goal.

Gain an insight into MEET’s research and the approaches of boosting sustainability in battery research, development, and recycling in the projects Circubatt and REVITALISE.

The Circubatt project will enhance Europe’s competitiveness in the global battery market. Smart recycling processes and the reuse of specific cell components will reduce environmental impact. As a result, the team will reduce Europe’s dependence on other countries for scarce raw materials required for battery cell production. To achieve these aims, the partners will explore innovative business models such as Battery-as-a-Service (BaaS), in which the battery and application are decoupled, or Data-as-a-Service (DaaS). This approach enables users to access important data anytime and anywhere through a cloud-based system.

The REVITALISE project will deliver a holistic solution for green, low-cost, and environmentally friendly recycling processes for end-of-life batteries. The nine project partners—including MEET Battery Research Centre at the University of Münster—target a comprehensive range of battery materials, including lithium-ion and sodium-ion batteries, which represent 85% of battery waste streams up to 2025 and beyond. Recycling rates of 91% or more for waste processed from post-production scrap and end-of-life battery black mass should be achieved.

The event will feature presentations from leading research entities and industry experts involved in the two EU-funded projects. These presentations will cover a range of topics, including approaches in battery research and development to enhance sustainability, advances in the development and production of high-quality cathode active materials for the EU battery industry, and insights into circular economy business models in different industrial sectors.

A special highlight follows the inspiring lectures: Experience a guided tour through our state-of-the-art labs and the highlight: our technical centre.