Li-Cycle Secures €6.4 Million Grant for Lithium-Ion Battery Recycling Facility

Li-Cycle Germany GmbH, a subsidiary of Li-Cycle Holdings Corp, has achieved a significant milestone with the approval of a grant by the State of Saxony-Anhalt, amounting to up to €6.4 million. This financial support is designated for Li-Cycle's lithium-ion battery recycling facility, known as 'Germany Spoke,' strategically located in Sülzetal.

The facility, situated in Saxony-Anhalt, stands out with an impressive annual lithium-ion battery processing capacity ranging from 10,000 tons, with the potential for expansion up to an impressive 30,000 tons per year. Such expansive capabilities position the Germany Spoke as one of the most substantial battery recycling facilities in Europe. This financial boost is part of the government's overarching program, "Improving the Regional Economic Structure," focused on promoting clean investments in the region. Notably, Sven Schulze, the Minister of Economy for Saxony-Anhalt, personally visited the facility to announce this pivotal grant.

Li-Cycle's overarching goal is to contribute to the establishment of a regional closed-loop ecosystem, particularly focusing on critical battery materials. This initiative aligns with broader objectives, supporting green energy goals for Germany and the European Union, while actively propelling the transition to electric vehicles.

The Germany Spoke, inaugurated in August of the previous year, represents Li-Cycle's first 'Spoke' facility in Europe. Leveraging Li-Cycle's proprietary technology, the facility employs a sustainable recycling process for lithium-ion battery materials, utilizing a safe and efficient submerged shredding approach. An exceptional aspect of this facility is its capability to process full electric vehicle (EV) and energy storage battery packs without requiring disassembly, discharging, or thermal processes. This versatility enables the recycling of all types of lithium-ion battery materials, regardless of their chemistry or form factor.

In the intricate framework of Li-Cycle's operations, 'Spokes' function as crucial pre-processing facilities, handling battery manufacturing scrap and end-of-life batteries. The result is the production of black mass—a powder-like substance containing valuable metals such as lithium, nickel, and cobalt. In the subsequent stage, designated as 'Hubs' or post-processing facilities, Li-Cycle aims to process the black mass further to generate critical battery-grade materials, including lithium carbonate. These materials are integral to the lithium-ion battery supply chain. This holistic approach underscores Li-Cycle's steadfast commitment to advancing sustainable and efficient solutions in the dynamic field of lithium-ion battery recycling.

As Li-Cycle continues to receive support and recognition for its innovative endeavors, the Germany Spoke stands as a testament to the company's dedication to fostering a circular economy, minimizing environmental impact, and actively participating in the broader discourse on sustainable energy and electric vehicle adoption.