(Invited) U.S. Department of Energy Initiatives in Lithium Battery Recycling and the Supply Chain

Abstract

For the U.S. to meet climate change and circular economy goals, to ensure good stewardship of critical materials, and to meet strategic supply chain goals for economic development and national security, a strong commercial recycling industry for recycling is vital. Identified by the blueprint developed by the Federal Consortium for Advanced Batteries (FCAB) and the Administration’s 100 Day report for high-capacity batteries as a key strategic focus area, recycling offers the strongest pathway to ensuring the U.S. can capitalize on the strong market demand for EVs and to ensure the materials are available for the U.S. to reintegrate into the supply chain. However, recycling alone is not enough to enable the U.S. goals to create a resilient and sustainable supply chain. Recycling needs to consider all end-of-life potential and challenges for lithium ion batteries, and the requalification of those materials in the battery supply chain. This requires a look at all supply chain segments as a whole to determine the areas for largest impact for sustainability and economic development.