Core Viewpoint - The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, along with five other departments, has introduced interim measures for the recycling and comprehensive utilization of used power batteries from new energy vehicles, addressing the growing volume of retired batteries as the industry expands [1] Industry Summary - The new energy vehicle industry in China has experienced rapid growth, with production and sales continuously increasing [1] - As the capacity of power batteries in used new energy vehicles declines, the volume of waste batteries is on the rise, indicating that China is entering a phase of large-scale battery retirement [1] - According to the State Administration for Market Regulation, the domestic battery recycling volume is expected to exceed 300,000 tons in 2024, corresponding to a market size of over 48 billion yuan, with projections indicating that the market size will surpass 100 billion yuan by 2030 [1] Company Summary - Relevant A-share concept stocks mentioned include Tianqi Co., Ltd. and Greeenmei [1]

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the newly released "Interim Measures for the Recycling and Comprehensive Utilization of Waste Power Batteries for New Energy Vehicles," emphasizing the importance of monitoring the entire lifecycle of waste batteries to ensure public safety and environmental protection [2][3]. Group 1: Industry Context - The rapid development of China's new energy vehicle industry is highlighted, with projections indicating that by 2025, production and sales of new energy vehicles will exceed 16 million units, accounting for nearly half of new car sales in the country [3]. - It is estimated that by 2025, the domestic waste power battery generation will reach nearly 400,000 tons, and by 2030, it will exceed 1 million tons, raising concerns about the disposal of these batteries [3]. Group 2: Safety and Environmental Concerns - The article stresses the need to prioritize public safety and environmental security in the recycling process of waste power batteries, which contain hazardous materials like nickel, cobalt, manganese, lithium, and fluorine compounds [4][5]. - Improper disposal of these batteries can lead to both visible and hidden environmental hazards, with the latter potentially taking decades to manifest [5]. Group 3: Regulatory Challenges - A significant issue is the low standardized recycling rate of less than 25% for waste power batteries, with many batteries ending up in non-compliant enterprises operating in a "gray area" [6]. - The article points out that these non-compliant entities lack the necessary qualifications and pose safety and environmental risks, particularly when retired batteries are illegally repurposed for electric bicycles, leading to safety incidents [6][7]. Group 4: Policy Measures - The "Interim Measures" clarify the responsibilities of battery manufacturers and new energy vehicle producers in the recycling process, aiming to eliminate the "gray area" by holding specific parties accountable [7]. - The concept of "cascade utilization" has been abandoned in the new regulations, prohibiting any organization or individual from using waste batteries in electric bicycles or other prohibited areas, thus closing previous loopholes [7]. Group 5: Legal Framework - The article calls for the strengthening of legal frameworks to enhance the deterrent effect of regulations, noting that the "Interim Measures" are still at the regulatory level and further legislative progress is needed [8]. - The measures are seen as a small step that could lead to significant advancements in industrial upgrading, ecological protection, and public safety [9].