India–EU Launch €15.2 Million Initiative to Boost EV Battery Recycling and Secure Critical Minerals

A joint programme under the India–EU Trade and Technology Council aims to strengthen circular economy, develop advanced recycling technologies, and support pilot projects in India. 

India and the European Union have launched a €15.2 million (approximately ₹169 crore) joint research and innovation initiative to advance electric vehicle (EV) battery recycling, marking another significant step in strengthening cooperation on green and clean energy technologies.

The initiative, announced on May 5 under the framework of the India–EU Trade and Technology Council (TTC) Working Group-2 on Green and Clean Energy Technologies, invites proposals for collaborative research projects focused on the recycling of EV batteries. The deadline for submitting proposals is September 15, 2026.

The programme is jointly supported by the European Commission through its Horizon Europe research and innovation programme, while the Indian component will be funded by the Ministry of Heavy Industries.

The initiative aims to strengthen supply security for critical raw materials and accelerate the global shift toward a circular economy by developing advanced recycling technologies for EV batteries. Key focus areas include high-efficiency recovery of valuable materials, safe and digitalized battery collection systems, and pilot-scale demonstrations of innovative recycling processes.

The programme will also support the establishment of a joint India–EU pilot line in India, enabling real-world validation and industrial deployment of new recycling technologies. Researchers, industries, and startups from both regions are expected to collaborate closely under this initiative.

The call for proposals will focus on achieving high recovery rates, handling mixed battery chemistries, improving logistics and inclusion across the recycling ecosystem, and ensuring safety and second-life applications for critical minerals such as lithium, graphite, and cobalt.

Ajay Kumar Sood described the launch as a pivotal moment in the India–EU strategic partnership.

“As India’s EV market continues its rapid expansion, creating a robust domestic recycling ecosystem is essential for our resource security and environmental commitments,” he said.

Highlighting the broader climate significance, Hervé Delphin said batteries lie at the heart of the global green transition.

“Our goal is to translate innovation from the development phase to real-world deployment, directly investing in mineral security and our shared climate goals,” he noted.

Parvinder Maini added that the initiative represents a major step forward for India’s circular economy.

“This collaboration can catalyze a digitalized and inclusive logistics model that integrates the informal sector while maintaining the highest safety standards for second-life battery applications,” she said.

Emphasizing the importance of international cooperation, Marc Lemaître said the partnership will help build a resilient cross-continental value chain for critical materials.

“This collaboration strengthens the bond between the EU and India in green innovation and ensures that the strategic materials of tomorrow remain within our economies,” he said.

The new call for proposals represents the third coordinated initiative launched under the TTC framework and reflects growing India–EU collaboration in sustainable technologies, clean mobility, and resource security.

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