Are lithium-ion batteries the future of Australia?

In 2024, lithium-ion batteries accounted for a considerable portion of the Australian battery market, surpassing lead-acid batteries in residential and industrial applications. Australia's top lithium battery manufacturers, such as Tesla and BYD, play a significant role in energy transformation.

Does Australia have a lithium-ion battery recycling industry?

In 2020, CSIRO and the Future Battery Industries Cooperative Research Centre published the most up-to-date, comprehensive review of the status of the lithium-ion battery recycling industry in Australia. The 'Australian Landscape for Lithium-Ion Battery Recycling and Reuse in 2020' report was informed by CSIRO research and stakeholder surveys.

Could a pile of lithium batteries be an economic opportunity for Australia?

Rather than being seen as a liability, the growing pile of spent lithium batteries could represent an economic opportunity for Australia. The battery pack in a BMW i3 electric vehicle, for example, contains . These valuable resources will be wasted if the batteries are exported or sent to landfill.

How much lithium-ion battery waste will Australia have by 2035?

Australia's annual lithium-ion battery waste is tipped to hit 137,000 tonnes by 2035, and with 90 per cent of current waste going into landfill or getting stockpiled, there are urgent calls for dedicated recycling facilities.

Can lithium ion batteries be recycled?

They identified potential pathways for the safe and compliant reuse of Li-ion cells. According to the CSIRO, ‘Only 10% of Australia's lithium-ion battery waste was recycled in 2021, compared with 99% of lead acid battery waste. Lithium-ion battery waste is growing by 20% per year and could exceed 136,000 tonnes by 2036’.

How a battery is made in Australia?

By understanding how a battery is made from the start, all the way from mineral resources Currently, only 3% of Australia’s lithium-ion battery waste is recycled. Our researchers are working with industry to better understand battery components for use in new products and how to give existing batteries a second life.