Deadline Date: March 31, 2026
The European Commission (EC) is seeking grant applications for direct recycling processes to support next-generation and low-value batteries more sustainable and cost-efficient.
The initiative focuses on developing, validating, and scaling direct recycling technologies for low-value and emerging battery chemistries, including lithium iron phosphate (LFP), lithium manganese iron phosphate (LMFP), and sodium-ion batteries, as well as efficiently managing gigafactory production scrap.
Funding for this Horizon Research and Innovation Action (RIA) total €14,200,000, with individual projects expected to receive approximately €4,700,000, supporting efforts to develop sustainable and competitive solutions for next-generation battery recycling in Europe.
Projects are expected to significantly improve recycling efficiency, reduce energy consumption compared to conventional methods, and decrease Europe’s dependency on raw material imports. Proposals should demonstrate economic viability and competitive cost structures for direct recycling technologies, reinforcing circular economy practices in European battery manufacturing. Scalable, automated recycling processes that can handle high volumes of gigafactory scrap and directly reintegrate recycled materials into production are a central focus.
Applicants are encouraged to develop recycling processes that selectively recover high-purity active materials from battery electrodes while minimizing processing steps and preserving material functionality. Optimizing recycling routes for economically challenging battery chemistries, implementing intelligent sorting and robotic handling for industrial-scale integration, and providing design recommendations to facilitate efficient direct recycling are key aspects of this initiative. Projects should include robust techno-economic analyses and comprehensive life-cycle assessments to highlight sustainability benefits, such as energy savings, reduced CO2 emissions, and minimal impact on biodiversity and ecosystems.
Proposals are also encouraged to consider the European Commission’s Safe and Sustainable by Design (SSbD) framework to ensure materials and processes meet safety and sustainability standards. Involvement of the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre (JRC) is welcomed to provide guidance on battery circularity and sustainability, with equal access to relevant information for all applicants.
This initiative directly contributes to the EU Strategic Plan’s priorities of a green and digital transition, and a resilient, competitive, and inclusive Europe. Expected impacts include strengthening the EU battery value chain, reducing raw material dependency, creating an integrated battery sector from design to end-of-life management, and enhancing energy storage technologies to support renewable energy integration and energy system resilience.
For more information, visit European Commission.
