高工锂电·2025-09-20 10:15Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the strategic partnership between Chinese recycling giant Greeenme and American technology innovator Ascend Elements to explore the European lithium battery recycling market, highlighting the implications of the new EU Battery Regulation and the geopolitical context surrounding this collaboration [2][3][4]. Group 1: Importance of Entering Europe - Understanding the significance of entering the European market requires recognizing the ambitious battery circular economy blueprint established by the EU [3]. - The new EU Battery Regulation, effective from August 2023, sets unprecedented mandatory targets for battery recycling, creating a high-value market centered on sustainability [4][5]. Group 2: EU Battery Regulation Details - The regulation mandates aggressive recycling targets: 73% for portable batteries by 2030, 61% for light-duty vehicle batteries by 2031, and effective 100% responsibility for electric vehicle battery manufacturers [5]. - It establishes clear minimum recovery rates for materials, requiring 90% recovery for cobalt, nickel, and copper, and 50% for lithium by the end of 2027, with further increases by 2031 [5][6]. - A groundbreaking requirement for minimum recycled content in new electric vehicle batteries will take effect from August 2028, mandating at least 16% recycled cobalt, 6% recycled lithium, and 6% recycled nickel [6]. Group 3: Geopolitical and Economic Context - The EU currently produces only 1% of the key battery raw materials it needs, creating a significant resource gap, with lithium demand projected to reach 550,000 tons annually by 2030 [7][8]. - The EU aims for 89-90% self-sufficiency in strategic raw materials by 2030, with the Critical Raw Materials Act requiring at least 15% of annual consumption to come from recycling [8]. Group 4: Strategic Implications of the Partnership - The partnership between Greeenme and Ascend Elements is a strategic move to leverage advanced technology and scale to meet the EU's stringent sustainability standards [9][10]. - Greeenme's extensive production capabilities and cost control experience complement Ascend Elements' innovative Hydro-to-Cathode® technology, which significantly reduces costs and carbon emissions [10][11]. Group 5: Resource Security and Supply Chain Resilience - The collaboration aims to establish a "Europe-Indonesia-Europe" transnational recycling model, with Greeenme's nickel resource base in Indonesia providing a strategic hedge against short-term raw material shortages in Europe [12][13]. - This dual resource strategy enhances the alliance's supply chain resilience, positioning it favorably against local competitors [14]. Group 6: Trends in the Recycling Industry - A trend of Chinese companies expanding into the European recycling market is emerging, driven by the EU's regulatory environment and the anticipated surge in retired batteries [16][17]. - Major players like Huayou Cobalt and CATL are actively pursuing investments and partnerships in Europe to secure raw material supplies and establish local recycling capabilities [17][18]. Group 7: Challenges and Future Outlook - The competition for high-purity production waste from European super factories will intensify as companies vie for limited resources before 2030 [19]. - The shift towards lower-cost lithium iron phosphate batteries poses economic challenges for recycling due to the lack of high-value cobalt and nickel [19]. - A significant shortage of skilled technical personnel in Europe may hinder the industry's growth, while the second-life battery market is projected to reach $19 billion by 2033, indicating potential future opportunities [20].