September 9, 2024: Italian engineering company Engitec Technologies is to deploy its innovative lead battery recycling technology to Ivory Coast.
Installation of the modular CX Smart system is scheduled to take place in the West African nation in 2025, the International Lead Association reported on August 19.
The ILA member company’s system includes a breaking and separation station, foundry and refinery, ingot caster and pollution control system that can process up to 12,000 tonnes annually of waste lead batteries.
An as yet undisclosed coastal site will host the system and support exports of battery-grade lead to other countries, the ILA said.
Engitec will provide hands-on support during the commissioning and continued operation of the facility to ensure that it maximizes recovery of lead and minimizes emissions of hazardous substances.
Local policymakers are supporting the development and enforcement of binding minimum standards for recyclers operating in the region, meaning the new plan will bring social and economic benefits to the Ivory Coast, the ILA said.
The circular economy for lead batteries provided by highly regulated recyclers in many regions delivers the ultimate sustainability goal of creating much needed energy storage solutions from waste, the ILA said.
Sub-Saharan Africa is one such region where economic growth has resulted in growing vehicle fleets, high demand for backup power systems and decentralized solar installations that are increasing the volumes of used lead batteries.
These batteries are often collected by hundreds of small collectors and sold on to the informal sector or regulated recyclers operating without taking the kind of precautions necessary to avoid pollution. There are very few environmentally sound lead battery recyclers operating in sub-Saharan Africa.
Typically lead battery recyclers in lower and middle income countries (LMICs) are often small and investment costs required to make them environmentally sound can be substantial and make operating facilities uneconomic.
Steve Binks, ILA senior director for regulatory affairs, said: “Finding solutions to the problem of poor lead battery recycling practices is often challenging but the new innovative offering, developed specifically for adoption in LMICs by Engitec, offers some hope the UN Environment Assembly resolution on improving lead-acid battery recycling can be achieved.”
Batteries International reported last year that Engitec was preparing to ship its CX system to Moura Batteries in Brazil — in its first equipment supply contract to the country.
