10050435Solveteq Genesis: Sustainable Alternative in Battery RecyclingClosedGrant for R&DInnovate UKSolveteq is developing a sustainable and environmentally friendly method for recycling lead-acid batteries (LABs), whilst significantly reducing the environmental impact of lead. Solveteq's technology will enable UK & international recycling companies to substantially reduce their expenditure on energy and environmental control. The green process has the potential to transform the battery recycling industry and establish next-generation practices. Our solution replaces the most expensive, polluting and energy-intensive step in the recycling process with a low-temperature, solvent-based technology. Solveteq's vision is to significantly contribute to a safer and cleaner environment by transforming the way LABs are being recycled today. Solveteq aims to implement its technology worldwide. Our process produces lead and lead oxides, which are essential commodities for the production of new batteries. Despite the evident rise of Li-ion batteries, LABs remain the most popular power supply in the automotive industry, as they are used in both Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) vehicles and state-of-the-art Hybrid and Electric Vehicles (HEVs, EVs). LABs are also used in public transport and commercial vehicles (trains, buses, trucks) and in emerging applications such as grid energy storage. Therefore, the use of LABs is not expected to decline in the foreseeable future. Our project aims to translate the academic research conducted at Imperial College London into a commercially viable technology. We aim to test and implement our solution with established recycling and companies followed by the distribution of our technology to operators in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Informal recycling practices in LMICs are responsible for uncontrollable emissions of lead to the environment, exposing workers and local communities to lead pollution. Due to its toxicity, informal lead recycling in these regions is considered the most polluting industry in the world, with children being particularly affected by lead poisoning. The project is addressing this humanitarian, societal and economic issue. By implementing Solveteq's solution, we strive to contribute to improving the safety, health and well-being of communities around the world. The scope of Solveteq's current 12-month project is to evaluate our novel patentable laboratory-scale process, test it on an intermediate scale, and asses its commercial viability and environmental impact. This project presents a significant milestone for Solveteq towards commercialisation, and its success will allow the company to expand its product portfolio and deploy the technology at our customer's location, representing real-life operating conditions as early as 2023\.