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From Battery to Potential

From Battery to Potential
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Logo From Battery to Potential - Call for proposals - Inter American Development Bank - IDB

 

From Battery to Potential is an open call that aims to strengthen and increase the visibility of innovative solutions that respond to lithium-ion battery circularity’s challenges in Latin America and the Caribbean.

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How can we boost the circularity of lithium-ion batteries based on business models that promote a green economy in Latin American and the Caribbean?

Through this call, we are looking for innovative solutions to 4 challenges:

Challenge 1

How might we enable an infrastructure that ensures quality and safety in the collection, storage, packaging, and transportation of used lithium-ion batteries to promote economies of scale?

The proper management of used lithium batteries presents a critical challenge to the promotion of economies of scale. In general, many lithium-ion batteries at the end of their service life do not have sufficient material value to be attractive to collectors and recycling companies. While material recovery may generate some revenue, it often does not cover the full costs of reverse logistics and recycling operations. This problem is exacerbated by the lack of efficient collection systems, making achieving the collection indexes established in the region's countries difficult. 

The handling of used lithium-ion batteries poses significant risks due to the flammable and toxic substances they contain, which can cause burns, eye injuries, allergic reactions, and cancer. Additionally, these batteries are prone to generating fires and explosions due to battery overcharging, fully drained batteries, high temperatures, or physical stress. Fires can spread quickly between cells and modules and are challenging to control and extinguish, as some cathode materials release oxygen, keeping the fire burning even in the absence of air. Therefore, in addition to the means of transportation used, logistics centers handling lithium-ion batteries at the end of their service life must take several precautionary measures to mitigate the fire risks and ensure health and safety in the workplace.

Challenge 2

How might we access information on used lithium-ion batteries to determine their state of health to automate decisions on reuse and recycling?

Reuse and reutilization of the batteries begins with a thorough visual and technical inspection, gathering information on their previous use and current condition. Access to this data type is critical for cost-effective, safe, high-quality reuse and reutilization. However, battery management system data access is not universal and requires specialized software, and access is generally available only to manufacturers and their close collaborators. Therefore, independent reuse and reutilization should include other testing methods, including disassembling the batteries down to their module or cell level, the visual inspection of mechanical properties, and electrochemical performance testing. Currently, batteries' disassembly, testing, and reassembly require extensive manpower, which can impact economic viability depending on labor costs in a given environment.

Challenge 3

What strategies can we implement for disassembling, recycling, valuing, reusing, and repurposing used lithium-ion batteries to maintain their local worth?

Lithium-ion battery recycling processes in the Latin America and Caribbean (LAC) region are limited to mechanical pretreatment and separation of different fractions. Recycling companies rely on smelters in the global north (Europe, North America, Asia) to export and recover valuable materials.

No significant lithium recovery from used batteries occurs in the LAC region. Since the black mass is exported chiefly for further processing, the potential for lithium recovery shifts to other regions.

Given that the market penetration of electric vehicles has not been significant in the region until a few years ago, the regeneration of used batteries for reuse remains reasonably limited in most markets. Battery reuse remains limited in scale. Additionally, reuse and reutilization activities require an influx of similar or even identical batteries for their harnessing; therefore, overcoming this limitation could improve the percentage of reuse rate of used lithium batteries in the region

Challenge 4

How can we generate more responsible inputs in the production of lithium-ion batteries?

The rising cost of raw materials and the environmental and social impacts of extracting lithium and other minerals needed to produce lithium batteries make it urgent to adopt more sustainable production approaches. Waste generation and the underutilization of the minerals in unused lithium batteries exacerbate this problem.

Incorporating circular and recycled inputs into the manufacture of lithium batteries is an alternative that reduces dependence on raw materials, the price of which can be volatile in global markets and mitigates the risk of increasing production costs within the region. Additionally, reincorporating recovered materials helps reduce batteries' carbon footprint, encourages sustainable supplies, and offers an opportunity to create a different value proposition based on the reincorporation of more sustainable inputs.

Challenge 1

How might we enable an infrastructure that ensures quality and safety in the collection, storage, packaging, and transportation of used lithium-ion batteries to promote economies of scale?

The proper management of used lithium batteries presents a critical challenge to the promotion of economies of scale. In general, many lithium-ion batteries at the end of their service life do not have sufficient material value to be attractive to collectors and recycling companies. While material recovery may generate some revenue, it often does not cover the full costs of reverse logistics and recycling operations. This problem is exacerbated by the lack of efficient collection systems, making achieving the collection indexes established in the region's countries difficult. 

The handling of used lithium-ion batteries poses significant risks due to the flammable and toxic substances they contain, which can cause burns, eye injuries, allergic reactions, and cancer. Additionally, these batteries are prone to generating fires and explosions due to battery overcharging, fully drained batteries, high temperatures, or physical stress. Fires can spread quickly between cells and modules and are challenging to control and extinguish, as some cathode materials release oxygen, keeping the fire burning even in the absence of air. Therefore, in addition to the means of transportation used, logistics centers handling lithium-ion batteries at the end of their service life must take several precautionary measures to mitigate the fire risks and ensure health and safety in the workplace.

Challenge 2

How might we access information on used lithium-ion batteries to determine their state of health to automate decisions on reuse and recycling?

Reuse and reutilization of the batteries begins with a thorough visual and technical inspection, gathering information on their previous use and current condition. Access to this data type is critical for cost-effective, safe, high-quality reuse and reutilization. However, battery management system data access is not universal and requires specialized software, and access is generally available only to manufacturers and their close collaborators. Therefore, independent reuse and reutilization should include other testing methods, including disassembling the batteries down to their module or cell level, the visual inspection of mechanical properties, and electrochemical performance testing. Currently, batteries' disassembly, testing, and reassembly require extensive manpower, which can impact economic viability depending on labor costs in a given environment.

Challenge 3

What strategies can we implement for disassembling, recycling, valuing, reusing, and repurposing used lithium-ion batteries to maintain their local worth?

Lithium-ion battery recycling processes in the Latin America and Caribbean (LAC) region are limited to mechanical pretreatment and separation of different fractions. Recycling companies rely on smelters in the global north (Europe, North America, Asia) to export and recover valuable materials.

No significant lithium recovery from used batteries occurs in the LAC region. Since the black mass is exported chiefly for further processing, the potential for lithium recovery shifts to other regions.

Given that the market penetration of electric vehicles has not been significant in the region until a few years ago, the regeneration of used batteries for reuse remains reasonably limited in most markets. Battery reuse remains limited in scale. Additionally, reuse and reutilization activities require an influx of similar or even identical batteries for their harnessing; therefore, overcoming this limitation could improve the percentage of reuse rate of used lithium batteries in the region

Challenge 4

How can we generate more responsible inputs in the production of lithium-ion batteries?

The rising cost of raw materials and the environmental and social impacts of extracting lithium and other minerals needed to produce lithium batteries make it urgent to adopt more sustainable production approaches. Waste generation and the underutilization of the minerals in unused lithium batteries exacerbate this problem.

Incorporating circular and recycled inputs into the manufacture of lithium batteries is an alternative that reduces dependence on raw materials, the price of which can be volatile in global markets and mitigates the risk of increasing production costs within the region. Additionally, reincorporating recovered materials helps reduce batteries' carbon footprint, encourages sustainable supplies, and offers an opportunity to create a different value proposition based on the reincorporation of more sustainable inputs.

The 4 challenges are not mutually exclusive. An initiative may submit their proposal, which can apply to more than one challenge.

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Research and Academic Centers

Companies and Startups

Independent Research Groups

That has solutions that fall under the TRL 4 and TRL 5 definitions. This includes technologies validated in a laboratory environment as prototypes or minimum viable products, technologies ready to validate their business model, and solutions that respond to one or more of the four proposed challenges.

Persons working - Calls for proposals - Inter American Development Bank - IDB

Strengthening and Consulting

Winners will participate in training opportunities in business, technical, and human resources and management areas. This includes masterclasses given by experts on key topics and synergy opportunities among winners.

During these spaces, winners will prepare their pitches, which will be presented during the awards ceremony.

IDB Communications Support

Winning initiatives will be showcased on IDB’s digital channels: blog, email, and social media. Additionally, they will receive a diploma of recognition during the awards ceremony.

Women working in a research - Calls for proposals - Inter American Development Bank - IDB

Demoday

Winners will be able to attend the Demoday, a virtual event in which they will present their business pitches to specific companies and organizations.

Attendance to the awards ceremony in Washington D.C.

The awards ceremony in Washington, D.C., will feature IDB directors, accelerators, and venture builders, as well as the contest jury. This will be an opportunity for winners to present their pitches to the attendees and make valuable connections.

Consideration: The organizers will not provide any benefit not explicitly stated on this web page and in the terms and conditions. Furthermore, the partner organizations and participants do not commit to funding or providing technical support to the participating initiatives.

Evaluation Criteria

 

  • Response to the Challenge (30%): The initiative provides a circular economy solution to the challenge.
  • Replicability of the Technology (30%): The initiative can address the challenge in diverse and relevant environments beyond its original test context.
  • Viability (15%): The initiative has had sales or has an income source hypothesisthat is currently under validation.
  • Regional Adaptability (15%): The initiative has the capacity or potential to respond to the challenge in other countries of Latin America and the Caribbean.
  • Team (10%): Team’s commitment to developing the initiative and participating, in addition to relevant information on their professional trajectory to ensure successful implementation of the proposal.

 

Apply Now
María Sarrió Magenti - Person - Inter American Development Bank - IDB María Sarrió Magenti (IDB lab)

Maria has an MBA, as well as expertise in innovation models, entrepreneurship, and impact investment projects. Currently, she is a consultant for BID Lab and the Innovation Source Alliance, where she promotes clean technologies and entrepreneurship to combat climate change in Latin America and the Caribbean.

Paola Santiago Ribón - Person - Inter American Development Bank - IDB Paola Santiago Ribón

Co-founder and CFO of Solenium and Unergy, startups that enhance access to clean energy and energy efficiency in Latin America. A graduate in industrial engineer from the National University of Colombia, she is experienced in business development, startups, company valuation, M&A, and strategic management. She is passionate about motivating teams and maximizing ideas.

Estrella Peinado - Person - Inter American Development Bank - IDB Estrella Peinado-Vara (IDB lab)

Senior Investment Officer at IDB Lab, where she leads the financing of innovative projects and early-stage startups in various topics, including the circular economy. Estrella holds an MBA from Georgetown University.

José Diez-Rodríguez - Person - Inter American Development Bank - IDB José Diez-Rodríguez

Engineer and researcher with expertise in project management. Passionate about driving sustainable development by implementing circular economy principles and energy transition strategies. His work fosters innovation and efficiency to create lasting environmental and economic impact.

Bernardita Diaz - Person - Inter American Development Bank - IDB Bernardita Díaz Soto

CEO and Co-Founder of T-Phite, a deep tech company that transforms used tires into raw materials for energy storage technologies. With a remarkable career in innovation and sustainability, she  received the 2022 Avonni National Innovation Award in the Energy category and the STEM Woman Award.

Review the terms of reference related to the open innovation call and clarify all your doubts regarding your participation.

Learn more
Frequently Asked Questions
Who we are?

“From Battery to Potential” is an open innovation call for initiatives related to the recycling and reuse of lithium-ion batteries in Latin America and the Caribbean. The initiative is led and funded by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB).

Who can participate in the call?

Research groups, academics, companies, and startups with prototypes or minimum viable products (with TRL-4 on) related to one or more of the described challenges.

What kind of solutions are being sought?

Prototypes or minimum viable products that have achieved at least a technology readiness level of four (TRL-4), implying that the technology has been validated in laboratories. To learn more about the TRL classification, please click here.

What is the deadline for participating?

The maximum period for submission of solutions starts January 8, 2025 and ends February 21, 2025, at 11:59 EST.

What are the benefits for the winners?

Winners will receive training in key areas such as business models, circular economy, brand development, and communications for investment. They will also have access to personalized mentoring for addressing specific needs. The IDB will also spotlight winning initiatives on IDB digital channels as well as issue a diploma of recognition.

They will also have an opportunity to present their solutions on a Demo Day to key players in regional innovation and the lithium value chain. Additionally, they will be given a trip to the IDB’s offices in Washington, D. C. to attend an awards event in which they will present their initiatives to the attendees. For more details, see the benefits section on this page.

Are winners guaranteed to receive investment?

No. Although the call offers benefits such as networking with key players in the lithium-ion battery ecosystem and the possibility of joining other acceleration processes, access to investment is not guaranteed.

How will the proposals be evaluated?

The initiatives should meet the eligibility criteria to be evaluated. They will be evaluated by a panel of expert jury who will consider the following five aspects to identify the proposals with the greatest potential for addressing the challenges: response to the challenge, replicability of the technology, viability, and applicability in the region. For more information about the criteria, visit the evaluation criteria section on this web page.

What can I do if I have any questions?

If you have any questions or concerns while applying, you can send an email to ine-ene@iadb.org with the subject “Query - FBTP” and our team will contact you shortly.

What is the format for the call?

The call will mostly be handled virtually, although the awards event may be remote or onsite.

What languages will be used for the call?

The call will be enabled in Spanish and English, so solutions can be presented in either of the two languages.

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