Europe's BATRAW Project: Crafting the Future of Battery Recycling in the Continent
The BATRAW project, launched in response to the growing environmental and strategic challenge posed by end-of-life electric vehicle (EV) batteries, is making significant strides in developing cutting-edge technologies for battery recycling. Funded by the European Commission through the Horizon Europe programme, the project brings together 17 partners from across Europe, including research centres, SMEs, industrial stakeholders, recyclers, and sustainability and policy experts.
Two pilot plants are at the heart of the BATRAW project. The first, located at BeePlanet's facilities in Pamplona, Spain, focuses on the semi-automated dismantling of EV batteries. BeePlanet has also developed a battery health characterisation tool for rapid and accurate diagnosis of battery modules. The second pilot plant is hosted at Orano's site in Bessines-sur-Gartempe, France, and is dedicated to the hydrometallurgical recovery of critical raw materials (CRMs) from end-of-life batteries.
The advancements in the BATRAW project will validate the technical and economic viability of the solutions developed, strengthening the foundation for industrial-scale deployment. Minespider is leading the development of a digital battery passport with multiple data-sharing layers for the BATRAW project. This passport will incorporate all relevant regulatory data and templates, including Carbon Footprint Declaration, EU Conformity Declaration, and Due Diligence Report. It is adaptable to future legal requirements and will include AI-based tools for creation and understanding.
In addition to the pilot plants, the BATRAW project has developed two public guideline documents. One focuses on improving dismantling efficiency and enabling easier module access for repair or second-life use. The other provides best practices for the safe handling and transport of end-of-life battery waste. These guidelines aim to ensure sustainability, safety, and traceability throughout the entire battery lifecycle, in full alignment with the upcoming European Battery Regulation.
The BATRAW project also develops a blockchain platform for raw materials, product, and supply chain tracking. This platform aligns with European Commission efforts on transparency and the upcoming Battery Passport regulation. The project's goal is to meet or exceed the targeted recovery rates for CRMs by the end of the project, contributing to Europe's strategic autonomy in raw materials.
As of now, there are no search results providing specific information about the BATRAW consortium. However, both guideline documents are available through the project's official website. The first pilot plant is expected to be fully operational by November 2025, with the second following suit. The BATRAW project is poised to revolutionise the electric vehicle battery recycling industry, ensuring a more sustainable and traceable future.
