On September 19, 2024, Febelauto, in collaboration with RecuPbat, organized a significant event to mark the opening of RecuPbat’s new Lithium-Ion warehouse near the Port of Antwerp. The event brought together key stakeholders, including automotive importers, recycling experts, utilities, partners, and policymakers, all with a shared focus on the sustainable recycling of batteries from electrified vehicles (HEV batteries).
As the electric vehicle industry continues to grow, the need for sustainable management of the battery lifecycle has become more critical. The event underscored the importance of battery recycling and showcased innovative solutions that contribute to a circular economy within the automotive sector.
A Comprehensive Program of Knowledge and Innovation
The day began with a welcome from Febelauto’s Director, Catherine Lenaerts, and RecuPbat’s Purchasing Director, Kenny Rits, setting the stage for an engaging series of presentations and demonstrations.
Highlights of the program included:
Tour of the High-Security Lithium-Ion Warehouse: Jeroen van der Werff, Managing Director of RecuPbat, led the tour, explaining the warehouse’s secure storage and quarantine processes for lithium-ion batteries. He detailed how the facility ensures the rapid detection of critical batteries, which are monitored around the clock by cameras and smoke detectors. Direct connections to the port fire brigade further ensure safety. Stringent procedures must be followed for the storage and processing of HEV batteries due to their complex chemical makeup and high electrical voltages.
Battery Module Diagnostics: Niels Vandeput, Operations Director at Watt4Ever, provided an in-depth explanation of how quarantined batteries from hybrid electric vehicles are dismantled and tested. Healthy modules are labeled for reuse, while others are designated for recycling.
Deep Discharge Demonstration: Ruud Barnas, Head of Battery Operations at RecuPbat, demonstrated the deep discharge process for battery modules. RecuPbat has developed a specialized disassembly line that safely discharges up to 20 modules to 0 volts within six hours. Safety is ensured through computer controls, infrared cameras, and heat-detection sensors that monitor temperature changes and automatically shut down the system if critical limits are reached.
Safe Transportation of HEV Batteries: Christian Wickel from LogBATT discussed the transportation of HEV batteries to Febelauto’s specialist partners. These batteries are classified as dangerous goods and must be transported following strict regulations. LogBATT has developed specialized “safety boxes” to ensure safe and efficient battery transport.
Recycling of HEV Batteries: Batteries designated for recycling are sent to Febelauto’s partners, including Umicore in Belgium, and companies abroad like Snam in France and Fortum in Finland. These organizations are continuously refining their recycling processes to find the most efficient and sustainable methods. The recovered metals are then reintroduced into the industry as raw materials for new battery production.
Second-Life Applications for HEV Batteries: Febelauto also focuses on giving as many HEV batteries as possible a second life. Modules suitable for reuse are sent to circular partners like Watt4Ever, which retests them and uses them in stationary energy storage systems. These systems can function for an additional 10 years, extending the life of the battery and reducing CO2 emissions by 80% compared to new batteries.
The event concluded with the official opening of the Lithium-Ion warehouse by Koen Kennis, Alderman of Antwerp. Febelauto’s Chairman, Henry Wattel, delivered closing remarks, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and partnerships in achieving Febelauto’s sustainability objectives.
The event highlighted Febelauto’s dedication to building a sustainable recycling chain for end-of-life HEV batteries. The new RecuPbat lithium-ion warehouse represents a significant milestone in these efforts. Febelauto plans to continue collaborating with industry partners and policymakers to enhance safe, efficient, and environmentally friendly battery recycling, maintaining its leadership position in Europe.
Febelauto remains one of the European leaders in HEV battery processing, with 50% of collected batteries given a second life, while the other 50% are recycled. Further details on the recycling of end-of-life HEV batteries in Belgium can be found in Febelauto’s annual report.
Source www.febelauto.be
