Introduction: American scientists have evaluated the reuse and recycling of large-size lithium-ion batteries used in electric vehicles and energy storage systems, and found that there is still much room for improvement.
Researchers from the US Department of Energy's National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) released a report detailing the technical, market, and regulatory barriers to creating a circular economy for lithium-ion batteries.
The use of battery technology in energy storage and electric vehicles (EV) is increasingly in demand. However, its current life cycle is almost completely one-way, from manufacturing to consumption to disposal, with little consideration of reuse or recycling. Analysts said there is currently only one lithium-ion battery recycling facility in the United States.
In order to start rethinking the one-way life cycle, the NREL team evaluated the current status of the reuse and recycling of large-scale lithium-ion batteries used in electric vehicles and battery energy storage. They found that the reuse and recycling of batteries can create market opportunities in the United States, stabilize the supply chain, reduce the impact on the environment, and ease resource constraints.
They also found that the circular economy will gain more value from the battery energy storage system. Materials will be reused, recycled, or refurbished to meet the needs of multiple life cycles.
Researchers say technology, infrastructure, and craftsmanship are current obstacles. For example, the design and composition of lithium-ion batteries vary from manufacturer to manufacturer, so it is difficult to design a standard process to reuse or recycle materials in a cost-effective manner.
In addition, there is no reliable public information about the state or number of decommissioned lithium-ion batteries, or the cost of re-repairing them for other purposes. Analysts recommend government-funded research, development, analysis, and incentive measures, as well as information exchange, to increase knowledge and promote private investment.
Based on their research results, NREL analysts highlighted existing regulations that may affect the installation of reusable lithium-ion batteries and grid interconnection. Project leader and NREL analyst Taylor Curtis said that some states, such as California or New York, are revising their regulations to ensure that the requirements for connection to the grid are particularly applicable to battery energy storage systems.
Curtis pointed out: "Considering that these types of systems are not considered in the formulation of interconnection regulations, this is a big development."
Another challenge is that it is not yet clear how to legally define the waste of decommissioned lithium-ion batteries. As of July, the US federal policy has not directly involved the decommissioning of battery energy storage systems, nor has it forced or encouraged the reuse or recycling of lithium-ion batteries.
Generally speaking, decommissioned lithium-ion batteries are generally considered hazardous waste or general waste, and both types of waste have their own regulations. Different jurisdictions have different regulations, and non-compliance may result in fines.
In some states, penalties for violating hazardous waste laws or regulations are stricter than federal penalties. For example, intentional or negligent violation of a certain provision of California hazardous waste laws or regulations can be fined up to $70,000 per day for each violation.
According to reports, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has formulated alternative regulatory measures for the recycling of materials such as lead-acid batteries. The purpose of these rules is to encourage the collection and recycling of hazardous waste. The NREL report said that similar designations for lithium-ion batteries can alleviate liability issues and make recycling more economical.
