The aim of this project is to set up an efficient and safe process for end-of-life handling of Li-ion batteries used in vehicles in the Nordic countries, focusing on three islands: Iceland, the Faroe Islands, and Greenland.
The countries have a low maturity level in regard to recycling efforts of lithium-ion batteries, as volumes are small and there has been no need to focus on handling of end-of-life batteries so far, thus the readiness level is low. Therefore, there is a potential to develop a process/system for efficient EV battery handling from the start and prepare for the upcoming volumes of batteries in the near future.
Focus on Nordic islands
The reasoning behind choosing the Nordic island countries for this project is to show that if it is possible to set up such a system at these challenging locations, it would be possible to do the same in any other country and region. The scope of this project will include collection, packaging, pre-treatment process of EV batteries, developing guidelines for that work, and training.
Background
The Nordic Prime Ministers have decided on a new vision for Nordic cooperation. The Nordic countries are to become the most integrated, sustainable region in the world by 2030, emphasizing green (circular and biobased), competitive and socially inclusive societies. The Nordic countries have the strongholds needed to be frontrunners in the circular economy. However, there are still issues to resolve in order to reach the climate targets and Sustainable Development Goals, especially number 12 (Sustainable production and consumption) and 13 (Climate Change).
The call, where the project was funded was designed to enable cooperation actions that can turn strategies into concrete solutions to help reduce the CO2 footprint, reduce and optimize material use, promote innovations and implement new business models. The call for proposals: Circular Cities & New Circular Solutions addressed two of the four action areas that currently make up Nordic Innovation’s Nordic Sustainable Business Transformation program.
Partners
Stiftelsen Chalmers Industriteknik, IRF - Waste management company (Faroe), Kommunala Brennistøðin (Tórshavnar Kommuna), Destructor Consulting, Hringrás ehf., Netpartar ehf., Stena Recycling A/S, ESANI A/S, Stena Recycling Interna-tional AB, Stena Recycling A/S.
