EBRD, InnoEnergy Partner on Poland's EV Recycling
The EBRD and EIT InnoEnergy are collaborating to establish an investment framework for recycling electric vehicle (EV) batteries in the regions where the bank invests. Initially focusing on Poland, the partnership may also extend to other neighbouring countries in Central Europe.
The EBRD and EIT InnoEnergy are collaborating to promote the use of recycled materials in the production of EV batteries. With significant expertise in the EV battery ecosystem and a strong history of supporting circular economy models, the institutions aim to expand this approach to Poland and potentially other neighbouring Central European countries.
The EBRD has invested heavily in the EV battery industry in recent years, with over €500 million committed to the sector in Poland alone. One recent investment was in a new EV battery recycling facility, highlighting the bank's commitment to promoting circular economy business models.
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EIT InnoEnergy, which leads the European Battery Alliance (EBA), supports innovative companies in the clean technology and battery sectors through the EBA Academy. This education ecosystem trains the workforce needed to grow the EU's battery industry. The EBA Academy platform will play a crucial role in engaging with key stakeholders in the battery recycling value chain. In addition, EIT InnoEnergy is also driving the European Green Hydrogen Acceleration Centre (EGHAC) and the European Solar Photovoltaic Industry Alliance.
The two institutions will collaborate to identify market barriers to developing the EV battery recycling value chain in Poland and other Central European markets. They aim to assess technological and regulatory challenges, establish a platform for stakeholders to collaborate, develop a knowledge hub for learning opportunities, and support access to finance.
Marcin Wasilewski, the CEO of EIT InnoEnergy Central Europe, said: “Effective transport decarbonisation plays a key role in the EU’s plan to reach climate neutrality by 2050. Analyses suggest that Poland will have over 1 million electric vehicles on the road by 2030 and will be a major supplier of batteries to European markets. However, a significant challenge is the availability of battery components.
"The material intensity of an electric vehicle is almost double that of an internal combustion vehicle. While new technologies might reduce the material intensity, recycling and the circular economy are critical to ensuring that supply can meet demand and secure EU strategic autonomy. As EIT InnoEnergy, we are committed to incorporating CEE’s cleantech industry into EU strategic value chains, including a competent workforce. We are excited to join forces with the EBRD to develop and scale up the central European EV battery recycling ecosystem.”
Gianpiero Nacci, Director of Sustainable Business and Infrastructure, Climate Strategy and Delivery at the EBRD, said: “Batteries are recognised as one of the critical technologies for transition to a low-carbon and resilient economy, which is a top priority for the EBRD. Developing markets for secondary raw materials for batteries will be crucial to accelerate the transition to low and zero-carbon vehicles.
"It will also allow the production of materials in Europe and out of waste to deliver significant circular economy benefits for everybody, from citizens to investors. The EBRD is pleased to collaborate with EIT InnoEnergy on our common goals towards a greener transport system and resource efficiency.”
Source: EBRD
