{
  "id": 9966169,
  "title": "Can this German company help end Europe's lithium dependence on China?",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/26/can-this-german-company-help-end-europes-lithium-dependence-on-china",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-09-26T11:03:59.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Euronews",
    "slug": "euronews",
    "url": "https://www.euronews.com/2026/09/26/can-this-german-company-help-end-europes-lithium-dependence-on-china"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "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.",
  "summary": "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.",
  "key_points": [
    "Accurec Recycling GmbH recycles batteries in Germany without harsh chemicals.",
    "Technology recovers 50% of lithium from lithium-ion batteries.",
    "Company aims to halve Europe's dependence on Chinese lithium by 2027."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}