Can this German company help end Europe's lithium dependence on China?
China produces up to 70% of the battery-grade lithium chemicals used in Europe. A German recycling firm hopes its new plant can help reduce that dependence, but significant obstacles remain.
Inside a Krefeld, Germany facility, Accurec Recycling GmbH processes used batteries without relying on harsh chemicals. This technology, developed over three decades, recovers lithium from lithium-ion batteries, which power devices from smartphones to electric vehicles. Head of development Simon Bremer explains that the process involves sorting, pyrolysis, and water-based extraction, yielding 50% of lithium content.
Operating from two plants, Accurec aims to double processing capacity to 20,000 tonnes annually by 2027. Currently, Europe relies heavily on China for processed lithium, with 65-70% sourced from China. Accurec's technology aims to reduce Europe's dependence on Chinese lithium and enhance domestic supply. Its thermal pre-treatment turns lithium into a water-soluble form, cutting energy consumption by 50% and reducing CO₂ emissions by over 59%.
However, challenges persist, including the need for facilities that can refine recovered materials into individual raw materials and the high prices Asian buyers pay for European black mass.
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