Sustainable Alternative to Informal Recycling of Lead-acid Batteries

Solveteq is developing a sustainable and environmentally-friendly technology for recycling of lead-acid batteries (LABs), whilst significantly reducing the environmental impact of lead. Solveteq's technology will enable recycling companies worldwide to significantly reduce their operations cost and environmental footprint. 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 commodities that can be directly used in 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 (HEV, EV). LABs are also used in emerging applications such as grid energy storage. Therefore, use of LABs is not expected to decline in the near 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 companies followed by 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 deploying Solveteq's solution, we strive to provide access to cleaner energy while contributing to improved safety, health and wellbeing of impoverished communities. The project is supported by EcoBat Technologies, a world leader in the production of lead, lead alloys and the recycling of lead batteries.

The scope of the 12-month project is to evaluate our proven lab-scale process on an intermediate-scale using a continuous-operation prototype designed to process and recycle 1kg/h of lead paste from used LABs into lead and lead oxides. This project represents a significant technology milestone towards commercialisation, and its success will allow the company to proceed to a 25kg/h for testing at partner's site, representing real-life operating conditions.