The Ministry of Heavy Industries has revealed that the ACC Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme will drive the establishment of over 140 GWh of gigafactories in India by 2030. With nearly four million electric vehicles (EVs) sold as of August 2024 and the government’s PM-e Drive initiative accelerating adoption, the battery industry is witnessing unprecedented growth. By 2030, 90-100 GWh of End-of-Life ACC batteries are projected to enter the Indian market annually, signalling an urgent need for effective recycling and circularity policies.
Against this backdrop, the India Energy Storage Alliance (IESA) organised the India Battery Recycling and Reuse Summit 2025, as part of the Bharat Battery Show under the Bharat Mobility 2025 initiative, at the NDMC Convention Centre, New Delhi. Speaking at the summit, Shri V.P. Yadav, Director of the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), underscored the critical role of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) in addressing recycling challenges.
“Producers failing to meet their EPR obligations will face financial penalties. These penalties will benefit recyclers by generating credits that can be transferred to producers for compensation. This system incentivises recycling and ensures sustainability,” Mr. Yadav explained. He highlighted the creation of a centralised portal for registration and data centralisation, which has already begun generating EPR credits. “Profitability is vital for recycling businesses to thrive, and our policies aim to align economic incentives with environmental goals,” he added.
Building a Circular Battery Economy
While the Battery Waste Management Rules 2022 have established a robust EPR framework, continued dialogue is necessary to refine policies and align them with industry expectations. Industry leaders at the summit shared their perspectives on fostering battery recycling and reuse.
Mr. Debi Prasad Dash, President of IESA, stated, “IESA collaborates with over 20 battery recycling and second-life companies out of its 200+ members and engages with government bodies like MoEFCC, Ministry of Mines, and MHI to strengthen the circular economy for advanced batteries. Additionally, we are working with the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) to create testing standards for second-life batteries, a crucial step for reuse alongside recycling. Our primary goal is to retain as much lithium as possible within India.”
Addressing Industry Challenges
Mr. Rajat Verma, Founder of Lohum and Chair of the India Recycling and Reuse Council (IRRC), shed light on the pressing issues within the recycling sector. “The industry faces challenges such as formalising the informal sector, ensuring traceability, developing skilled manpower, and introducing modern technology. Adequate funding and fair incentive frameworks are also crucial. Collaboration among stakeholders is essential to address these issues and help policymakers refine their approaches,” he said.
Mr. Verma expressed optimism about the sector’s growth potential, envisioning the emergence of billion-dollar Indian companies in battery recycling within the next five years.
A Vision for the Future
To create a sustainable ecosystem for battery recycling and second-life applications, the IESA launched the India Reuse and Recycling Council (IRRC). The council aims to identify opportunities, address challenges, and prepare a roadmap for the sector while collaborating with global organisations to improve practices and standards.
The summit also delved into global trends, safety standards, and technological advancements in battery recycling and reuse. As India moves towards a sustainable future, initiatives like these will play a pivotal role in shaping the battery industry and fostering a robust circular economy.