Battery recycling plays a critical role in energy independence

The rapid global proliferation of electric vehicles has made battery production and demand for critical minerals a top priority. The "Battery Recycling and Secondary Use Technologies" report, published by the Technology Development Foundation of Turkey (TTGV), demonstrates that recycling in this area is a vital strategy for energy independence.

GROWTH IN ELECTRIC VEHICLES

According to data from the International Energy Agency (IEA), 17.3 million electric vehicles were produced in 2024. This figure, which represents a 25 percent increase compared to the previous year, largely came from China. China led the way with 12.4 million vehicles produced, followed by the European Union with 2.4 million and the United States with 1.1 million.

The situation is similar in Türkiye: Thanks to Togg's influence, the number of electric vehicles has increased by more than 120 percent in the last year, and the number of registered electric cars will exceed 289,000 by July 2025. This rapid growth is increasing battery demand and, consequently, demand for critical minerals. According to a TTGV report, investments in battery production facilities in Türkiye have exceeded $1 billion.

CRITICAL MINES

Dr. Serdar Gökpınar, Director of TTGV Innovative Technology Programs, notes the crucial importance of high-quality materials such as lithium, cobalt, manganese, nickel, and copper in battery production. However, the limited reserves of these minerals and the need for advanced technology in their processing elevate the issue to a strategic level.

Lithium and copper reserves, in particular, are predicted to decline after 2035. Therefore, recycling stands out not only as an environmental imperative, but also as an economic and geopolitical one.

EXAMPLES FROM THE EU AND CHINA

The European Union plans to mandate the use of recycled materials in battery production starting in 2031. The plan aims to increase the lithium recycling rate to 6% in 2031 and 12% in 2036. China is a key player in this field thanks to its extensive mineral reserves and advanced processing technologies.

A CRITICAL TURNING POINT FOR Türkiye

In Türkiye, the General Directorate of Mineral Research and Exploration (MTA) has initiated efforts to recycle batteries. Experts emphasize that these efforts must be supported by legal regulations and government policies.

Dr. Serdar Gökpınar summarizes the importance of the issue: “Battery recycling is extremely valuable, especially since we lack some critical minerals. This step will not only strengthen our energy independence but also reduce energy costs, which constitute a significant portion of the current account deficit.”

Source: Headline News