Sustainable processes for the management of end-of-life batteries & critical raw materials recovery

UPRAISE aims to address gaps in Li-ion battery recycling and reuse to strengthen the EU's resilience in the critical raw material and battery supply chain. Existing EU initiatives are fragmented, leading to inefficiencies and limited recovery. UPRAISE will provide a detailed understanding of interactions and dependencies in recycling and reuse processes, from diagnostics to high-performance battery material production. Moreover, UPRAISE follows a chemistry-agnostic approach, targeting both NMC and LFP chemistries to target short- and long-term impacts. UPRAISE is based on 6 core innovations: 1/ An efficient and rapid process combining battery pack dismantling with diagnostics assessment to determine suitability for second-life applications or redirection to recycling; 2/ A multi-components reuse strategy coupled with systematic standardization and market validation to assess and reuse all viable battery pack components for BESS (Battery Energy Storage System) and other applications; 3/ A breakthrough chemical deactivation technology, capable of fully neutralizing battery modules, enabling safer, faster, and more cost-effective downstream processing; 4/ A versatile and highly efficient NMC recycling process to produce battery-grade materials with controlled microstructure directly from purified leachates, bypassing conventional solvent extraction and energy intensive crystallization; 5/ An economically viable LFP recycling route combining novel pre-trea. Through industry, research, and university collaboration, UPRAISE will deliver pilot-scale processes (TRL6-7), data, and benchmarks to support the Batt4EU Partnership. It will also contribute to the SSbD framework, develop training materials, and support the digital battery passport. Coordinated by ORANO a major recycling actor with expertise in pre-treatment to black mass production and Cathode Active Material production, the project aims to generate €1.297 billion in revenue (2030-2035) and create 1,725 new jobs.