Improvement of Adaptability, Flexibility and Efficiency of Existing Recycling Processes (BATT4EU Partnership)

Overview

Supports innovation in battery recycling processes to improve adaptability, flexibility, and efficiency for handling diverse feedstocks, including production scrap and mixed lithium-ion chemistries. Targets organizations developing scalable solutions to enhance recovery rates, reduce EU raw material dependence, and comply with EU Batteries Regulation.

Who Can Apply

Consortia of legal entities (e.g., businesses, research institutions, universities) from eligible countries. Participation of the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre (JRC) as a zero-funding beneficiary or associated partner is permitted.

Funding Details

• Total budget: €43,000,000
• Funding type: Grant
• Funding rate: Not specified (standard Horizon Europe rules apply)
• Co-funding: Not explicitly required but may apply under Horizon Europe’s general conditions.

What Is Funded

• Development and demonstration of recycling technologies for variable feedstocks (e.g., mixed lithium-ion chemistries, production scrap).
• Optimization of hydrometallurgical and/or pyrometallurgical processes to meet or exceed EU Batteries Regulation recovery efficiency targets.
• Techno-economic assessments (TEA) and life-cycle assessments (LCA) to validate energy efficiency, CO₂ reduction, and economic viability.
• Digitalized sorting and advanced pre-treatment technologies.
• Exploitation and dissemination plans, including scalability, commercialization, and deployment strategies (e.g., feasibility studies, business plans).

Technology / Maturity Requirements

• TRL range: 7–9 (system prototype demonstration in operational environment to actual system proven in operational environment).

Key Dates

• Open date: 2026-12-02
• Deadline: 2027-03-30

Application Process (High-Level)

• Single-stage submission via the Horizon Europe Funding & Tenders Portal.
• Standard application forms (HE RIA/IA) and evaluation templates apply.

Post-Award Obligations

• Reporting on results to the European Partnership on Batteries (Batt4EU) for KPI monitoring.
• Compliance with Horizon Europe’s dissemination and exploitation requirements, including potential restrictions on ownership transfers or exclusive licensing for up to 4 years post-project.
• Adherence to Safe and Sustainable by Design (SSbD) framework for chemicals and materials.

Geographic Scope & Language

• Eligible countries: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Norway, Iceland, United Kingdom, Switzerland.
• Application language: English.

Notes

• Projects must align with the EU Batteries Regulation’s recycling efficiency and material recovery targets.
• Use of Copernicus and/or Galileo/EGNOS data/services is mandatory if satellite-based earth observation or navigation is involved.
• Proposals should consider the JRC’s potential contribution to battery circularity and sustainability aspects.