Integrating Novel Materialswith Scalable Processes for Safer and Recyclable Li-ion Batteries
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Impact

The results of INERRANT will catalyse the spread of safer, high-performance Gen 3 LIBs, accelerating the shift to eco-friendly electric mobility and battery manufacturing practices. While aligning with Europe’s 2030 SET-plan targets, the project is expected to generate important mid-term and long-term changes across science, economy and society.

  • Safety

    The project has adopted a safe-and-sustainable-by-design materials strategy to pioneer the development of four key LIB cell elements: anode, cathode, separator and electrolyte. In addition, eco-friendly processes for pilot and pre-industrial scale production and recycling methods will be developed. INERRANT's work plan includes a meticulous strategy to showcase the improved safety of the new LIB cell, which will be constructed using the project’s innovative materials and processes compared to standard commercial batteries.

    Ultimately, safer LIBs can further enhance safety in large-scale energy storage systems, ensuring that these systems do not pose significant risks and making communities more receptive to their installation. Hence, INERRANT will enhance consumer confidence in the reliability and safety of LIBs for mobility applications such as electric vehicles, trains, bicycles and other electric modes of transportation, boosting the demand for e-mobility solutions.

  • Sustainability

    INERRANT improves sustainability, recycling efficiency, and material recovery targets. The project will reduce waste through better recyclability and lower environmental impact through sustainable practices while helping Europe meet recycling efficiency goals.

    The reduction of waste and the alignment with circular economy principles will accelerate the reduction of environmental impact, the conservation of resources, the reduction of landfill waste, the promotion of the circular economy as well as the reduction of the carbon footprint, and the promotion of recycling companies, as the new opportunities created for them will offer revenue generation, cost savings, market expansion and waste reduction.

    INERRANT’s methodology is inherently built on a non-CRM materials basis. It advances novel, efficient recycling processes while reducing dependency on CRM imports from countries that dominate the CRM market. This helps minimise geopolitical risks and potential supply chain disruptions. It will also diversify the types of batteries available, reducing dependency on a single technology and promoting a more resilient battery ecosystem.

  • Industry Transformation

    INERRANT pioneers safer Gen 3 LIBs, extending beyond mere performance enhancements to establish a sustainable and circular manufacturing paradigm vital for scaling to Gigafactory proportions. The project’s advancements will accelerate a rapid industry transformation towards sustainable and circular manufacturing practices for advanced materials for safer LIBs, setting a new benchmark for large-scale production. This will attract new investments and foster innovation in eco-friendly manufacturing processes.

    Embracing a circular economy model, the manufacturing processes will prioritise the re-utilisation of materials. Defective products and other by-products will be reintegrated into the production cycle, dramatically reducing waste. The approach for recycling end-of-life batteries will help recover materials for reuse in new batteries. This reduces the demand for virgin materials and addresses the challenge of battery disposal. Synergies with other partnerships and initiatives will be established to permanent relationships and join forces with the energy storage community to create a competitive and sustainable battery cell manufacturing value chain in Europe. This collaborative approach will foster innovation, share best practices, and ensure compliance with environmental standards.

    Lastly, citizens are expected to benefit from increased access to sustainable products and practices. INERRANT's approach to transferring materials and processes to the Gigafactory scale will increase supply chain transparency by ensuring that all materials are responsibly sourced without exploiting labour or harming the environment.