Summary
– Redwood’s process involves recycling end-of-life batteries and production scrap into critical battery materials for North American cell manufacturers
– Redwood is collaborating with Ultium Cells LLC to recycle production scrap from their facilities in Ohio and Tennessee
– Despite efficient production rates, cell manufacturing still results in a 5-10% scrap rate, which Redwood aims to recycle and remanufacture
– Redwood’s approach to battery material production is significantly more sustainable, using less energy, generating less CO2 emissions, and requiring less water
– Redwood and Ultium Cells were selected by the Department of Energy’s Loan Programs Office to support domestic battery production and building America’s battery supply chain.
Article
Redwood Materials is a company that specializes in recycling end-of-life batteries, production scrap, and raw materials to create critical battery components for North American cell manufacturers. They have recently partnered with Ultium Cells LLC, a joint venture between General Motors and LG Energy Solution, to recycle production scrap from their facilities in Ohio and Tennessee. Ultium Cells expects to produce over 80 GWh of battery cells annually, with Redwood receiving a majority of the scrap for recycling. Redwood has contracts with most of North America’s battery cell manufacturers.
Despite efficient production rates, cell manufacturing still experiences a 5-10% scrap rate on average, resulting in daily truckloads full of material for recycling. Redwood’s approach at their Northern Nevada campus is significantly more sustainable compared to traditional methods of processing mined ore into battery-grade materials. They use 80% less energy, generate 70% less CO2 emissions, and require 80% less water, setting new standards in resource efficiency. Their hydrometallurgy facility recycles battery manufacturing scrap into raw nickel, cobalt, and lithium, and has significantly fewer emissions compared to other recyclers.
Redwood’s process has been recognized by Stanford University for achieving at least 40% fewer emissions compared to other recyclers. The company can process over 40,000 metric tons annually and is expanding their operations to meet the growing demand for sustainable battery materials. Ultium Cells and Redwood were selected by the Department of Energy’s Loan Programs Office to jumpstart critical battery materials and cell production domestically. Their collective goals focus on building America’s battery supply chain and supporting the transition to electric vehicles and a clean energy economy.
As automakers and cell manufacturers ramp up domestic battery production, Redwood Materials is prepared to support this growth with their sustainable and scalable battery materials process. They aim to play a crucial role in achieving a swift and sustainable transition to electric vehicles and clean energy. The partnership between Ultium Cells and Redwood aligns with the Advanced Technology Vehicles Manufacturing Loan Program’s objectives to boost domestic manufacturing of critical battery materials and cells. Redwood stands ready to contribute to America’s battery supply chain and shape a more sustainable future for the electric vehicle industry.
Read the full article here
