Episode description

In today’s world, environmental degradation, resource depletion, and growing waste generation are clear indicators that the conventional linear economy is not sustainable. Battery storage systems, however, present a unique opportunity for change. Their materials are highly recyclable and this value can be extracted either through material recovery or second-life applications. However significant challenges remain in the recycling process.

Transitioning batteries into a circular economy is essential for long-term sustainability. While recycling technology exists, the biggest hurdles include ensuring a steady supply of used batteries and establishing efficient connections between suppliers and recyclers. Scaling operations is also critical. Only by increasing the volume of recycled materials can costs be reduced, making the process both economically viable and environmentally impactful.

William Bergh, CEO at Cling Systems, joins Quentin to discuss the challenges in battery recycling. Over the course of the conversation, they discuss:

• What the physical process of material separation and recycling process looks like.
• The current state of the recycling market and a look at the supply chain for it.
• The complexities of battery recycling and the role Cling plays in facilitating these processes.
• Regional differences and challenges in the global battery recycling market.
• The importance of data availability in allowing the efficient recycling and repurposing of batteries.

About our guest

By streamlining procurement and removing market frictions, Cling's circular platform helps both battery repurposers to build safe and cost effective second life energy systems, and battery recyclers to produce new recycled raw material.

Cling Systems are ensuring batteries are effectively directed to their best use —whether for second life and recycling or by leveraging strategic off-take agreements and a global network. Cling have made it their mission to offer a sustainable framework that not only mitigates environmental harm but also fosters economic growth and social well-being. For more information on what cling do, check out their website.

Cling Systems hosts their regular Beers and Batts events to bring together the energy industry in and around Stockholm, keep your eye out for their next event in January or sign up to get alerts.

About Modo Energy

Modo Energy provides forecasts, benchmarking, data, and insights for new energy assets - all in one place. Built for analysts, Modo helps the owners, operators, builders, and financiers of battery energy storage solutions understand the market - and make the most out of their assets.

All of our podcasts are available to watch or listen to on the Modo Energy site. To keep up with all of our latest updates, research, analysis, videos, podcasts, data visualizations, live events, and more, follow us on LinkedIn or Twitter. Check out The Energy Academy, our video series of bite-sized chunks explaining how different battery energy storage systems work. For more information on how battery recycling and circularity, check out our written research.