“Battery recycling plays a critical role in energy independence.”

A preliminary research report titled "Battery Recycling and Secondary Use Technologies," published by the Technology Development Foundation of Turkey (TTGV), highlights the strategic importance of battery recycling for Türkiye's energy independence. According to the report, investments in battery production facilities in recent years have exceeded $1 billion.

Dr. Serdar Gökpınar, Director of Innovative Technology Programs at TTGV, emphasized in his interview with Yeter Ada Şeko from Anadolu Agency (AA), that with the rapid proliferation of electric vehicles, recycling batteries to recover critical minerals like lithium, cobalt, and nickel has become essential. Gökpınar said, “A significant portion of these minerals are not available in sufficient quantities in Turkey. Therefore, recycling is a critical step for our energy independence and reducing the current account deficit.”

According to data from the International Energy Agency (IEA), global electric vehicle production is projected to increase by 25 percent to 17.3 million by 2024. While most of this production takes place in China, the European Union and the United States are also major players in the market. In Türkiye, thanks to Togg's influence, the number of electric vehicles has increased by 120 percent compared to last year, exceeding 289,000.

Gökpınar stated that there are two fundamental challenges in battery production: the supply of critical raw materials and precise manufacturing processes. He noted that lithium is primarily mined in Australia, Chile, Argentina, and Bolivia, while cobalt is largely sourced from the Democratic Republic of Congo. He added that China holds a globally dominant position in terms of both mineral reserves and processing technologies.

Warning for after 2035

According to Gökpınar, significant challenges are expected in extracting lithium and copper reserves by 2035. Therefore, recycling stands out as the only solution for a sustainable supply chain. Gökpınar noted that the European Union will mandate the use of a certain percentage of recycled materials in battery production starting in 2031, and said Türkiye should take similar steps.

Gökpınar, recalling the General Directorate of Mineral Research and Exploration's (MTA) initiatives in this area, stated that Türkiye could become a regional center for battery recycling when supported by regulations. He said, "Battery recycling is a great opportunity to reduce our dependence on foreign energy and alleviate our current account deficit. Therefore, every step is valuable and strategically important."