Iondrive Limited has joined a €3.1 million European battery recycling consortium backed by a German government grant, aiming to establish a closed-loop supply chain using its innovative DES technology.
- Iondrive joins €3.1M European battery recycling consortium led by RWTH Aachen University
- Consortium funded by €2.07M German government grant plus participant contributions
- Iondrive to process battery black mass into high-purity metals using DES technology
- Pilot plant construction underway in Australia, planned shipment to Europe in 2026
- Consortium aims to validate recycled battery cells with major European automotive OEMs
A Strategic Step into Europe's Battery Recycling Future
Iondrive Limited (ASX, ION) has taken a significant leap forward in the battery recycling sector by becoming a core technology partner in a newly formed €3.1 million consortium led by PEM RWTH Aachen University. This initiative, supported by a €2.07 million grant from the German government, aims to pioneer a closed-loop battery recycling industry in Germany, demonstrating that recycled battery cells can match the performance of those made from virgin metals.
Innovative Technology at the Consortium's Core
At the heart of Iondrive's contribution is its proprietary Deep Eutectic Solvent (DES) technology, which processes battery black mass into high-purity battery-grade metals and further refines these into precursor cathode active materials (pCAM). Unlike traditional recycling methods, Iondrive's DES process operates at lower temperatures without aggressive acids, offering a more environmentally sustainable approach. This technology is currently being piloted at a plant under construction at the University of Adelaide, with plans to relocate the facility to Europe by mid-2026 for further optimisation within the consortium.
Consortium Collaboration and Industry Validation
The consortium brings together a diverse group of industry leaders, including Accurec Recycling GmbH, NEUMAN & ESSER Process Technology GmbH, and Constantia Patz GmbH, covering the full battery recycling value chain from dismantling to materials processing and packaging. Importantly, major European automotive original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) are expected to join as associate members after key technical milestones are met, providing critical validation of the recycled materials and a pathway to commercial off-take agreements.
Funding and Market Entry Advantages
The German government grant covers 60% of Iondrive's pilot plant operating costs in Europe, up to €398,000, while consortium participants have committed additional funding, including €265,000 from Iondrive itself. This non-dilutive funding not only accelerates Iondrive's European market entry but also secures access to black mass feedstock and collaborative services at no cost. The consortium's integrated approach aims to establish a sovereign and sustainable battery materials industry in Europe, reducing reliance on imported raw materials.
Looking Ahead
With the pilot plant commissioning expected by early 2026 and the consortium's formal governance now in place, Iondrive is well-positioned to demonstrate the commercial viability of its DES technology. Success in this venture could open doors to expanded feedstock supply and product off-take agreements, cementing Iondrive's role in Europe's evolving battery recycling landscape.
Bottom Line?
Iondrive’s European consortium involvement sets the stage for a sustainable battery recycling revolution, but market validation and commercial deals remain key next steps.
Questions in the middle?
- When will major European automotive OEMs formally join and validate Iondrive’s recycled materials?
- How will the DES pilot plant perform once relocated and optimised in Europe?
- What are the timelines and prospects for commercial off-take agreements and feedstock supply contracts?