Norway’s Ambitious Plan to Recycle Electric Car Batteries and Extract ‘Black Gold’
In Norway, a country known for its commitment to renewable energy, a groundbreaking recycling plant is set to take electric car batteries and extract valuable minerals, commonly referred to as black gold. This innovative process aims to support the transition to a decarbonized economy and increase Europe’s independence when it comes to critical minerals.
Located in Fredrikstad, southeastern Norway, the Hydrovolt plant is the largest recycling facility for used or defective electric car batteries in Europe. It has the capacity to process up to 12,000 tonnes of lithium-ion battery packs per year, equivalent to 25,000 electric car batteries. The plant’s goal is to recover up to 95 percent of the materials from these batteries, including nickel, manganese, cobalt, lithium, and graphite.
The process begins with dismantling the batteries, which weigh about half a tonne each, and extracting the valuable components. The aluminum is recycled by Norsk Hydro, while the remaining black mass, a powder consisting of critical minerals, is sold to battery manufacturers. This powder is considered black gold due to its importance in clean energy technologies and its eco-friendly nature, as it is obtained through recycling rather than mining in distant countries.
Recycling electric car batteries not only helps to preserve valuable resources but also contributes to Europe’s independence regarding critical minerals. The continent’s dependence on imported raw materials has been highlighted during the Covid-19 pandemic and conflicts such as the war in Ukraine. By recycling waste, Europe has the potential to cover between 8 and 12 percent of its critical mineral needs by 2030 and between 12 and 14 percent by 2035, according to Transport & Environment, a European clean transport campaign group.
To further strengthen Europe’s recycling capabilities, it is crucial to establish hydrometallurgic processing plants, which would enable the extraction of metals from the powder obtained during the recycling process. Currently, only a few companies handle this stage, such as Revolt in Sweden and Eramet in France. The European parliament has recently adopted regulations to promote sustainable and easily recyclable batteries, but government subsidies will also be necessary to support the establishment of more battery plants and create a favorable ecosystem for recyclers.
The success of the Hydrovolt plant in Fredrikstad has prompted plans for a second facility in the coming years, with potential locations including Germany, France, and the United States. The widespread adoption of electric cars will be crucial in ensuring a sufficient supply of end-of-life batteries for recycling.
The efforts in Norway to recycle electric car batteries and extract valuable minerals demonstrate a viable solution to the growing demand for critical minerals while reducing dependence on foreign imports. This innovative recycling process not only contributes to a more sustainable future but also opens up opportunities for creating a circular economy in the clean energy sector. By focusing on responsible recycling practices and nurturing a local industry, Norway is leading the way towards a greener, more independent Europe.
