Ministry of Defence contractor to research battery recycling

AEA Technology is already involved in battery work through its subsidiary AEA Battery Systems, which manufactures batteries for the Ministry of Defence in Thurso, Northern Scotland. Now it has launched a 2 million research and development project to be based in nearby Sutherland.

The project will investigate the recycling of lithium ion batteries, which are most commonly found in mobile phones and laptops. The research facility will be operational by the end of 2004 and could be expanded into a full-scale recycling plant within two years if successful.

A spokesman for AEAT said: “In the future there will be a big market for lithium ion recycling. There's not a lot going on at the moment in Europe on this, so if this comes off it will be European leading technology.”

Funding

The project attracted 1.06 million funding from the Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) Network and is expected to create 30 “high quality” jobs.

AEAT Group managing director Andrew McCree said: “Using the expertise and technical know-how of our people and the experience we have gained in developing the next generation of Li-ion batteries, we are confident that we can position AEAT and Scotland at the forefront of battery recycling.”

“The creation of an increased capability in R&D; will be very important in fuelling the growth of the business which I am sure will lead to the creation of many high quality jobs in this area as well as enabling more scope for local businesses to support this venture.”

Directive

The European Batteries Directive, which could be implemented in the UK as soon as January 2006, will set targets for battery recycling and recovery (see letsrecycle.com Battery Recycling page) and is likely to extend producer responsibility measures . But at the moment there are no facilities for recycling any type of non lead-acid, 'household' battery, in the UK. Domestic batteries that are collected for recycling are currently shipped to treatment plants in Europe for processing.

Carroll Buston, chief executive of Caithness and Sutherland Enterprise (CASE), which is part of the HIE Network, said: “CASE are delighted to have been able to help AEAT establish this pilot project in our area. The recycling facility will build on the existing battery-related business in Caithness and also provide an environmentally sound disposal route for batteries from all over Europe.”