Agency: Department of Energy – Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy
Description:
The Lithium-Ion Recycling Prize is phased prize competition to develop and demonstrate processes to recycle lithium ion batteries.
Bill Section:
40207(e)
New or Existing:
Existing
Potential Cost:
$10,000,000
Timeline:
Available until expended
Implementation Status/Rulemaking:
Phase I – Concept Development and Incubation: 15 winners received $67,000 each in federal funding ($1 million total).
Phase II – Prototype and Partnering: 7 winners received $457,000 each in federal funding ($2.5 million total).
Phase III – Pilot Validation: 4 winners received $500,000 each in federal funding ($2 million total).
Breakthrough Contest: Approximately $2.4 million will be made available.
Phase IV – Demonstration of Impact: Approximately $5 million will be made available.
On June 21, 2022, DOE announced the four winners of Phase III of the Lithium-Ion Battery Recycling Prize: Li Industries, Renewance, Smartville, and Titan Advanced Energy Solutions: Source
On June 12, 2023, DOE announced $7.4 million in IIJA funding for a new Breakthrough Contest, as well as Phase IV of the Prize. The Breakthrough Competition aims to incentivize new submissions from battery industry entrepreneurs that demonstrate innovative solutions that work toward or deliver on the goal of the prize, while continuing to support the further development of Phase III winning solutions. $1.2 million is available for up to 6 new participants and $1.2 million is available for up to 4 Phase III winners. Applications are due July 31, 2024: Source
TCS Notes:
The Lithium-Ion Battery Recycling Prize Competition was launched in 2019. The IIJA appropriated $10 million to “to increase the number of winners of Phase III of the competition”, “to increase the amount awarded to each winner of Phase III of the competition”, and “to carry out any other activity that is consistent with the goals of Phase III of the competition.” DOE is using $2.4 million in IIJA funds to create the Breakthrough Contest, which will fall between Phase III and Phase IV, and $5 million for Phase IV.