Battery recycling partnership formed by SK Innovation and KBR announced
SK Innovation, a major South Korean energy and chemical company, has taken a significant step forward in the global battery recycling market. The company has entered into a licensing agreement with KBR, a leading global provider of technology and consulting services, to commercialise its innovative Battery Metal Recycling (BMR) technology.
The BMR technology, developed by SK Innovation since 2017, recovers lithium hydroxide directly from spent batteries. This process is carried out through a continuous cooling and recrystallization method, setting it apart from traditional recycling methods that often recover lithium later as lithium carbonate, often with lower purity.
The signing ceremony was attended by Kim Pil-seok, head of the Institute of Environmental Science and Technology at SK Innovation, and Gautham Krishnaiah, chief technology officer of KBR. Kim stated that SK Innovation's technology is well-equipped to meet the EU Battery Directive's stringent recycling targets.
KBR's high-purity crystallization technology will be integrated with SK Innovation's BMR technology, removing impurities from lithium-containing solutions and producing battery-grade lithium hydroxide. This integrated solution will be commercially available globally, with KBR responsible for marketing and commercialization.
SK Innovation is committed to leading the global battery recycling industry with a strong focus on environmental sustainability and regulatory compliance. The company has secured over 100 domestic and international patents for producing high-purity lithium.
The commercial-scale demonstration plant established by SK Innovation in Daejeon can recover enough lithium hydroxide to power approximately 800 electric vehicles annually. This partnership with KBR marks a significant milestone in SK Innovation's mission to contribute to a circular economy for batteries.
Under the licensing agreement, SK Innovation will receive royalty payments for the licensed technology. The partnership between SK Innovation and KBR is expected to drive innovation and sustainability in the battery recycling industry, making a significant contribution to the global transition towards a more sustainable future.
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