Back to search

BIA-Brukerstyrt innovasjonsarena

Lithium ion BATteries - Norwegian opportunities within sustainable end-of-life MANagement, reuse and new material streams (BATMAN).

Alternative title: Litiumion batterier - Norske muligheter innen bærekraftig gjenbruk, gjenvinning og nye materialstrømmer (BATMAN).

Awarded: NOK 11.7 mill.

Project Manager:

Project Number:

299334

Project Period:

2019 - 2022

Funding received from:

BATMAN project has developed a dynamic strategic tool based on material flow analysis (MFA) enabling Norwegian companies to take leading positions within the lithium ion battery (LIB) value chain. Background - The expected increase of electro-mobility and transition to renewable energy will lead to an exponential growth of LIBs and as a result the use of relevant raw materials. This represents a huge opportunity for Norwegian businesses as Norway is a first mover within the electric mobility sphere. To take business positions, however, it is critical to better understand the fundamental factors (car fleet and ownership models, battery chemistry, circular economy and similar regulations etc) that influence the expected growth. Hence, it is imperative to build competence that enables detailed understanding of market and business models, which again leads to Norwegian businesses taking positions in this growing market. In order to deliver on UN sustainable Development Goals (SDG) it is equally important that raw materials are utilized to its maximum and as Norway produces many of the critical materials in the LIB value chain, this opens up an extraordinary market possibility for business positions. Impact - Norwegian companies are now taking important positions in the rapidly growing and international battery marked leading to increased value creation, increased exports and jobs. By doing so, Norwegian companies will contribute to sustainable production of materials used in the battery value chain (SDG 12). - Policy analysis and recommendations for policy makers at national and European level have been developed, guiding them in developing regulations and incentives that facilitate a sustainable LIB value chain. Outcome - Partner companies can now, in a timely fashion, identity their value creation opportunities within i) refurbishing, ii) secondary use, iii) recycling and iv) new energy systems and models. This will enable them to take strategic decisions, and to better understand when to make investments in product development and/or facilities. Status update The project is now finalized. The projects deliverables have been published in form of publications and policy briefs, with a focus on EU framework conditions. Misc. simulations has been conducted using the newly developed tool showing the effect of second life batteries, the effect on CO2 emissions with increased use need for nickel, and the availability of recycled materials under given industrial conditions.

Project output - A predictive model defining demand of raw materials for battery value chain considered as strategic tool for business positioning has been developed and made available. Impact - Norwegian companies are now in the process of taking important positions in the rapidly growing international battery marked, leading to increased value creation and jobs. By doing so, Norwegian companies will contribute to sustainable production of materials used in the battery value chain (SDG 12). Impact - Policy analysis and recommendations for national policy makers have been made, guiding them in developing regulations and incentives that facilitate a sustainable LIB value chain. Outcome - Partner companies are now in a better position to identity their value creation opportunities within i) refurbishing, ii) secondary use, iii) recycling and iv) new energy systems and models. This enable them to take strategic decisions, and to better understand when to make investments in product development and/or facilities.

The expected increase of electro-mobility and transition to renewable energy will lead to an exponential growth of LIBs and as a result the use of relevant raw materials. This represents a huge opportunity for Norwegian businesses (large and small) as Norway is a first mover within the electric mobility sphere. To take business positions, however, it is critical to better understand the fundamental factors (car fleet and ownership models, battery chemistry, circular economy regulations etc) that influence the expected growth. Hence, it is imperative to build competence that enables detailed understanding of market and business models, which again leads to Norwegian businesses taking positions in this growing market. In order to deliver on UN sustainable Development Goals (SDG) it is equally important that raw materials are utilized to its maximum and as Norway produces many of the critical materials in the LIB value chain, this opens up an extraordinary market possibility for business positions. Norways first mover advantage in the LIB EV market will expose it to volume reuse and recycling challenges/opportunities before most countries. This advantage represents an opportunity for new value creation from used LIBs within i) refurbishing, ii) secondary use, iii) recycling and iv) new energy systems and models. Through the tracking of the physical quantities of battery raw materials through the economy, we will forecast LIB demand in a range of sectors, and the quantities of secondary battery raw materials that will be made available over time. The dynamic strategic tool will aid companies in taking value creation positions (both established and SMBs) by understanding the interplay and inherent competition within the overall LIB value chain, as well as, the role regulations will play in driving end-points. Project Partners - Glencore Nikkelverk, Hydro Energi, Elkem ASA, Agder Energi, Fiven Norge, Eyde Cluster, NTNU, UIA, IFE and TØI. The project is progressing well. Three PhD are employed and connect to the project. The first deliverable ready in January 2020.

Publications from Cristin

No publications found

Funding scheme:

BIA-Brukerstyrt innovasjonsarena