Roadmap

The UK technology metals circular economy roadmap is a strategic document that has 4 key elements- vision, current state, an action plan to achieve the vision from the current state, and the time frame over which the roadmap is envisioned. The focus areas of the Met4Tech roadmap: (a) Lithium-ion batteries (LiBs) for use in Electric mobility and energy storage; and (b) REEs (rare earth elements) in magnets used for motors (automotive) and wind turbines (renewable energy). 

The LiB roadmap is being prepared through extensive analytical groundwork (a research paper on this process is currently underway) and workshops with internal Met4Tech members and external stakeholders. Together the analytical groundwork and the participatory workshops have enabled us to harvest insights related to a circular economy of lithium ion batteries. An integral part of this roadmapping process has been the involvement of stakeholders who enable the co-creation of the roadmap which is as important as the final roadmap. 

Based on the stakeholder consultations the overarching vision of the LiB roadmap is to create a responsible and sustainable Circular Economy of Lithium-ion batteries that focuses on reducing material consumption, circulating materials until it is no longer beneficial, and enabling a just and responsible economy/society.

Further, the vision can be further broken down into seven components listed below. 

• Redesign- LiBs will be designed and manufactured in a way such that the most optimal use of resources per unit of LiB is considered, they are designed for longer life, they can be efficiently and effectively disassembled, they are completely safe, and no product safety issues will arise.

• Reduce- The consumption of LiBs will be reduced by moving away from personal mobility as a dominant model. This can be enabled by maximising the use of public transport and the use of shared transport models.

• Repair and direct reuse- LiBs will be repaired and maintained in a way that their life can be prolonged, and they can go back to their old use. Direct reuse can be with the same owner or through the second-hand market.

• Intensify usage- Enable a smart grid through V1G (smart charging) and V2G (vehicle to grid) to tackle the future growing demand for electrical energy. Control/use the available storage from EVs for better utilization of the grid. V1G makes it possible to control the time and magnitude of charging power from the power source to the EV. V2G makes it possible to feed the energy in the batteries of the cars back to the grid.

• Repurpose and reuse- When batteries are no longer suitable for EV use, they can be reconditioned at the end of their automotive lifecycle for stationary energy storage. Compared to use in EVs, stationary applications demand lower current density from the battery pack. Hence, batteries retaining between 80-85% of their original capacity are collected. 

• Recycling- If cell batteries have no residual capacity available, they are processed to be reinserted into the production process. In this case, the battery pack can be recycled through three basic process types: pyrometallurgy (smelting), hydrometallurgy (leaching), and direct recycling (physical processes). 

• Responsible Innovation- Practices of responsible innovation will be integrated along the entire battery value chain.

The vision-building exercise also highlighted various trade-offs and dilemmas that need to be considered. We provide a brief overview of the trade-off's below that are crucial to consider in the circular economy of lithium ion batteries.

1. What if there are shortages in the other metals such as Nickel, Graphite? The current focus is on lithium and cobalt but there are other concerns too.

2. Current trends in mobility are that each fossil fuel-based car will be replaced with an EV car but there are changing consumption patterns that are not taken into account.

3. What is practically feasible to be done in the UK? ‘Sustainable’ Lithium produced in the UK is going to be more expensive; is the market ready to bear that expense?

4. Optimising resources would mean cobalt-free batteries vs extending the life of current batteries that contain cobalt, what would be preferred?

5. Removing Cobalt puts pressure on other metals like Nickel, shouldn’t this domino effect be considered?

6. What if competing battery technology is preferred for public transport?

7. Until when is direct reuse environmentally and economically friendly?

8. Is repurposing Cobalt-based batteries for energy storage preferable since the aim is for Cobalt-based batteries?

9. Intensifying usage detrimental to a longer life? what is preferable longer life or intensified usage?

Underpinned by the vision and trade-off the roadmap will highlight the challenges, enablers, and interventions that can enable us to achieve the vision. 

Stay tuned for the final roadmap and the associate academic publications. 

Who is participating already?

 Our UKRI Interdisciplinary Circular Economy Centre for Technology Metals – Met4Tech – brings together researchers from the Universities of Exeter, Birmingham, Leicester, Manchester, and the British Geological Survey. Researchers at the University of Manchester are leading the efforts in creating this roadmap. We have collaboration and contributions from several industry and international partners that are essential to the center. 

Why should you participate in co-creating the UK circular technology metals roadmap?

• Play your part in transitioning towards a sustainable circular economy and reaching net zero targets

• Gain public recognition for your commitment to transition to a circular technology metals system

• Prepare for the mandatory regulatory requirements around technology metals in the future

• Join the consortium and receive support and guidance available through the roadmap

What will the participation entail?

 The road mapping process will entail participation through workshops, interviews, and focus groups. We can discuss your participation based on your availability and interest.

 How to participate in the technology metals roadmap?

 If you are interested in participating in the road mapping process and be a part of the transition or have any more questions or suggestions about the roadmap, please contact the team below:

Dr. Sampriti Mahanty (s.mahanty@ucl.ac.uk)

Professor Frank Boons (frank.boons@manchester.ac.uk)