Princeton NuEnergy (PNE), a global provider of lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery direct recycling, has broken ground on the nation’s first commercial-scale Li-ion battery direct recycling facility in Chester County, South Carolina.
(L) Dr. Xiaofang Yang, Joe Branham, Dr. Chao Yan, Secretary Lightsey, Dr. Bruce Koel, Peng Zhao, Janet Robertson, Stephen Snyder (R)
When the complete annual production is estimated at more than 10,000 tpa of battery-grade cathode material, this is the equivalent of producing more than 100,000 electric vehicle (EV) batteries every year.
Developed from research started at Princeton University, PNE’s patented, low-temperature, plasma-assisted separation process (LPAS) recovers more than 95% of Li-ion materials found in all lithium-ion battery chemistries.
PNE’s direct recycling process is significantly cleaner, faster, and less costly than traditional recycling or virgin cathode production.
Results from Argonne National Lab’s EverBatt model highlight that direct recycling of batteries to pristine OEM-equivalent cathode can reduce up to 40% in cost and 70% in environmental waste. Direct recycling fundamentally improves battery manufacturing by reducing water consumption, eliminating toxic acid leaching, avoiding refining emissions and reducing CO2 emissions by up to 158,000 tonnes per annum (tpa) at 10,000 tpa production levels versus cathode produced from virgin materials.
A circular battery economy means materials stay in-country, from genesis to end-of-life recycling and remanufacturing. Battery feedstock comes from various consumer goods and industrial sources, including EVs, industrial energy storage facilities, and consumer electronics.
“We are pleased to welcome Princeton NuEnergy to Chester County and South Carolina. The company’s new operation will have a significant impact in the community by creating 41 new jobs and advancing our state’s alternative energy sector,” said Governor Henry McMaster.
Filed Under: Technology News