The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) of China has recently released the Comprehensive Utilization Industry Standards for Waste Power Batteries from New Energy Vehicles (2024 Edition).
From GOV.CN
The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) of China has recently released the Comprehensive Utilization Industry Standards for Waste Power Batteries from New Energy Vehicles (2024 Edition). This update revises the 2019 version to better reflect advancements in technology and higher technical standards, aiming to guide companies towards orderly investment and development, while strengthening the management of the waste power battery recycling sector.
The updated standards introduce several key changes. A representative from MIIT's Energy Conservation and Comprehensive Utilization Department highlighted four main areas of focus: optimizing the technical indicator system, updating standards and regulations, adding requirements for lithium-ion batteries in electric bicycles, and enhancing product quality control and company location requirements.
In recent years, China has made significant progress in the recycling and reuse of waste power batteries from new energy vehicles, driven by continuous technological innovation. The new standards set out detailed requirements for various stages of secondary use and recycling processes. Notably, the lithium recovery rate in the smelting process has been raised from a minimum of 85% to 90%. Other new technical targets include a recovery rate of at least 98% for electrode powders after crushing and separation, and limiting aluminum impurities to below 1.5%. These changes aim to encourage greater technological innovation within the industry.
The 2024 guidelines also introduce new standards for the disassembly and coding of waste batteries, align with the General Industrial Solid Waste Storage and Landfill Pollution Control Standards, and require that a certain percentage of revenue from the recycling business be allocated to R&D. This encourages companies to apply for high-tech enterprise certifications and invest in improving both their technology and processes.
According to MIIT officials, China has largely achieved localized collection and disposal of waste power batteries. Industrial clusters focused on battery recycling have emerged in regions such as Ganzhou (Jiangxi) and Changsha (Hunan). However, the rapid expansion of investment in the industry has led to underutilized capacity in some areas, highlighting the need for a more strategic and balanced approach to investment.Li Li, Vice President of the China Industrial Energy Conservation and Clean Production Association, recommended accelerating the development of standards for green design, residual value assessment, product quality, waste material imports, and carbon accounting for waste batteries. She also emphasized the importance of fostering collaboration between industry, academia, and research institutions, as well as promoting both domestic and international cooperation in the field of battery recycling.