Cirba Solutions, a leader in battery recycling and materials management, is set to negotiate an award of up to $200m from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE).
This funding, part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, will support the development of a cutting-edge lithium-ion battery recycling facility in Columbia, South Carolina.
The announcement comes from the DOE’s Office of Manufacturing and Energy Supply Chains (MESC) and marks a significant step toward establishing a domestic closed-loop supply chain for electric vehicle (EV) batteries.
Lithium-ion battery recycling facility overview
The new facility will focus on recycling lithium-ion batteries sourced from end-of-life EVs, energy storage systems, and manufacturing scrap.
Once fully operational, the lithium-ion battery recycling plant will have the capacity to process more than 60,000 tonnes of batteries annually, producing battery-grade salts for up to 500,000 EVs per year.
This will play a crucial role in addressing the increasing demand for EV batteries while promoting sustainability through battery recycling.
Beyond the environmental benefits, the 200-acre lithium-ion battery recycling facility is expected to generate over 300 full-time jobs in Columbia, along with 650 construction positions, providing a significant economic boost to the region.
Strengthening US battery supply chains
The Columbia plant is part of a broader national effort to enhance domestic lithium-ion battery recycling capabilities and reduce dependence on foreign supply chains.
Cirba Solutions’ CEO, David Klanecky, emphasised the importance of the project: “This project advances the growth trajectory Cirba Solutions is on, working to expand lithium-ion battery recycling capacity in order to achieve a closed-loop domestic supply chain.
“The funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law provides us with a vital opportunity to increase capacity through the sourcing and processing of these critical materials in a responsible and sustainable way.
“It will help strengthen our nation’s supply chains, accelerate accessibility to critical battery-grade metals for new battery production and help to establish our country as a true competitor in the global battery industry, all while enhancing energy independence and national security.”
Commitment to community engagement
In addition to its focus on lithium-ion recycling, Cirba Solutions is committed to supporting the Columbia community. The company plans to partner with local schools, host recycling events, and increase access to information about battery recycling.
This South Carolina facility will be Cirba Solutions’ seventh operational site, adding to its extensive North American footprint. With over 30 years of industry experience, the company continues to lead the charge in sustainable battery recycling solutions.
