Optimising the geospatial configuration of a future lithium ion battery recycling industry in the transition to electric vehicles and a circular economy

Nguyen-Tien, Viet, Dai, Qiang, Harper, Gavin D.J., Anderson, Paul A. and Elliott, Robert J.R. (2022) Optimising the geospatial configuration of a future lithium ion battery recycling industry in the transition to electric vehicles and a circular economy. Applied Energy, 321. ISSN 0306-2619

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Abstract

Rapid electrification of the transport system will generate substantial volumes of Lithium-ion-battery (LiB) waste as batteries reach their end-of-life. Much attention focuses on the recycling processes, neglecting a broader systemic view that considers the concentration of the costs and impacts associated with logistics and transportation. This paper provides an economic, environmental and geospatial analysis of a future LiB recycling industry in the UK. Hitherto, state-of-the-art assessment methods have evaluated life cycle impacts and costs but have not considered the geographical layer of the problem. This paper develops a GSC derived supply chain model for the UK electric vehicle and end-of-life vehicle battery industry. Considering both pyrometallurgical and hydrometallurgical recycling technologies, the optimisation process takes into account anticipated EV volumes, and, based on anticipated near-term technological evolution of LiBs, the evolution of the mix of battery cathodes in production, and presents a number of scenarios to show where LiB recycling facilities should ideally be geographically located. An economic and environmental assessment based on a customised EverBatt model is provided.

Item Type:	Article
Official URL:	https://www.sciencedirect.com/journal/applied-ener...
Additional Information:	© 2022 The Authors
Divisions:	Centre for Economic Performance
Subjects:	H Social Sciences > HD Industries. Land use. Labor
Date Deposited:	01 Jun 2022 10:21
Last Modified:	16 Nov 2024 18:45
URI:	http://eprints.lse.ac.uk/id/eprint/115263

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