Latest news with #BatteryWasteManagementRules
Hindustan Times
12-06-2025
- Automotive
- Hindustan Times
Importance of a circular economy in driving sustainability
In recent times, there has been an enhanced emphasis on creating a circular economy for a sustainable future. While it is in the nascent stages, India has managed to attract significant investments totalling to approximately $1.8 billion over the past five years for the creation of a circular economy in various subsectors. It is important to note that nearly 80% of the total investment value have been directed towards mitigation-focussed innovations, particularly in clean energy and sustainable mobility. On this World Environment Week, it is crucial to understand that without a circular approach, we are risking replacing one form of ecological degradation with another. From an auto industry standpoint, investing in creation of second life use cases for batteries, in the form of energy storage systems for stationary applications, will certainly drive more sustainability. Customer interest in electric vehicles (EVs) is steadily rising in India, backed by new launches by mass carmakers and the expansion of the charging infrastructure. While a focussed approach is driving EV sales in India, the next imperative task at hand for the sector is to collectively create an ecosystem for battery life management. EV batteries consist rare earth elements, such as lithium, and cobalt, which are finite. Repurposing helps mitigate these risks by enabling the recovery of valuable raw materials, minimising reliance on virgin mining, and providing cost-efficient stability. The repurposing process of EV batteries have evolved significantly since inception. Pre-2020, most used batteries were discarded or exported for recycling. The next phase witnessed the introduction of Battery Waste Management Rules and saw the emergence of many start-ups in this domain. Currently, second-life batteries are now a formal part of India's clean energy and mobility strategy. Estimates suggest that by 2030, India is expected to generate 128 GWh of recyclable battery waste. This highlights the importance of battery recycling in crafting a sustainable tomorrow. Efficient recycling methods can recover 70-80% of the battery's capacity even after their use in vehicles, allowing them to be repurposed for different storage solutions such as grid stabilisation, industrial backup, and residential energy systems. Recycled materials can lower costs by 30-50% compared to newly-mined resources, making this strategic shift a significant competitive advantage for India in the global battery supply chain. Now, imagine the immense opportunity for original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to create an alternative revenue stream by repurposing batteries. Furthermore, it won't be wrong to predict a new wave of start-ups in the recycling business, collaborating with OEMs, to present innovative ideas with battery recycling. For automakers, this transition is not just beneficial but essential. Moving beyond manufacturing and embracing sustainable battery lifecycle management will be key to long-term success. Additionally, the revenue-generation potential in this space is immense—leasing models, refurbishment programs, and Battery-as-a-Service (BaaS) are just a few innovative ways to open new income models. In addition, government incentives for second-life applications will further encourage the adoption of these practices across industries. That said, to realise the full potential of a circular economy in India, a collaborative approach needs to be implemented in creating a robust waste management infrastructure that seamlessly enables collection, sorting, and processing. Second, businesses should adopt circular supply chains and product life extension strategies. Next, consumer awareness on effective waste management needs to be ramped up. In addition, recycling technologies constantly need to evolve for scaling up operations and handling complex waste materials. Most importantly, a conducive policy and regulatory framework is needed to incentivise circular economy practices and discourage linear approaches. I am confident that India's mission to becoming a $ 5 trillion economy will be largely driven by sustainability in every aspect. Redefining the automotive industry's role in energy management can position India as a global leader in energy storage solutions. We are already in the future of mobility—the only way forward is to keep innovating while ensuring circular practices remain at the core. This article is authored by Anurag Mehrotra, managing director, JSW MG Motor India.
Time of India
10-06-2025
- Automotive
- Time of India
Importance of a Circular Economy in Driving Sustainability
The article is authored by Anurag Mehrotra, Managing Director, JSW MG Motor India In recent times, there has been an enhanced emphasis on creating a circular economy for a sustainable future. While it is in the nascent stages, India has managed to attract significant investments totalling to approximately $1.8 billion over the past five years for the creation of a circular economy in various subsectors. It is important to note that nearly 80% of the total investment value have been directed towards mitigation-focussed innovations, particularly in clean energy and sustainable mobility . On this World Environment Week, it is crucial to understand that without a circular approach, we are risking replacing one form of ecological degradation with another. From an auto industry standpoint, investing in creation of second-life use cases for batteries, in the form of energy storage systems for stationary applications, will certainly drive more sustainability . Customer interest in Electric Vehicles (EVs) is steadily rising in India, backed by new launches by mass carmakers and the expansion of the charging infrastructure. While a focussed approach is driving EV sales in India, the next imperative task at hand for the sector is to collectively create an ecosystem for battery life management. EV batteries consist rare earth elements, such as lithium, and cobalt, which are finite. Repurposing helps mitigate these risks by enabling the recovery of valuable raw materials, minimising reliance on virgin mining, and providing cost-efficient stability. The repurposing process of EV batteries have evolved significantly since inception. Pre 2020, most used batteries were discarded or exported for recycling. The next phase witnessed the introduction of Battery Waste Management Rules and saw the emergence of many start-ups in this domain. Currently, second-life batteries are now a formal part of India's clean energy and mobility strategy. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch vàng CFDs với mức chênh lệch giá thấp nhất IC Markets Đăng ký Undo Defender's most Towering version: India plans, electric Defender and more | TOI Auto Estimates suggest that by 2030, India is expected to generate 128 GWh of recyclable battery waste. This highlights the importance of battery recycling in crafting a sustainable tomorrow. Efficient recycling methods can recover 70-80% of the battery's capacity even after their use in vehicles, allowing them to be repurposed for different storage solutions such as grid stabilisation, industrial backup, and residential energy systems. Recycled materials can lower costs by 30-50% compared to newly mined resources, making this strategic shift a significant competitive advantage for India in the global battery supply chain. Now, imagine the immense opportunity for OEMs to create an alternate revenue stream by repurposing batteries. Furthermore, it won't be wrong to predict a new wave of start-ups in the recycling business, collaborating with OEMs, to present innovative ideas with battery recycling. For automakers, this transition is not just beneficial but essential. Moving beyond manufacturing and embracing sustainable battery lifecycle management will be key to long-term success. Additionally, the revenue-generation potential in this space is immense—leasing models, refurbishment programs, and Battery-as-a-Service (BaaS) are just a few innovative ways to open new income models. In addition, government incentives for second-life applications will further encourage the adoption of these practices across industries. That said, to realize the full potential of a circular economy in India, a collaborative approach needs to be implemented in creating a robust waste management infrastructure that seamlessly enables collection, sorting, and processing. Secondly, businesses should adopt circular supply chains and product life extension strategies. Next, consumer awareness on effective waste management needs to be ramped up. In addition, recycling technologies constantly need to evolve for scaling up operations and handling complex waste materials. Most importantly, a conducive policy and regulatory framework is needed to incentivise circular economy practices and discourage linear approaches. I am confident that India's mission to becoming a five trillion-dollar economy will be largely driven by sustainability in every aspect. Redefining the automotive industry's role in energy management can position India as a global leader in energy storage solutions . We are already in the future of mobility—the only way forward is to keep innovating while ensuring circular practices remain at the core. Discover everything about the automotive world at Times of India .
Hindustan Times
03-06-2025
- Business
- Hindustan Times
From battery waste to energy independence: India's critical minerals opportunity
India's fast-growing electric vehicle (EV) and energy storage sectors offer a tremendous opportunity: transforming battery waste into a strategic resource to reduce dependence on imported critical minerals. Despite having a vast domestic market, India still heavily relies on imports—especially from China—for key battery materials like lithium, cobalt, and nickel. As demand for these metals surges toward 2030, India stands at a crucial crossroads to build a robust recycling ecosystem aligned with the National Critical Minerals Mission (NCMM), positioning itself for long-term energy security and sovereignty. Critical minerals are essential to modern technologies—from EVs and smartphones to renewable energy and defence systems. But with global supply chains heavily dominated by China, India faces significant geopolitical risks. China's control over mineral processing and its tightening export regulations have exposed vulnerabilities in India's energy transition roadmap. In response, India has adopted a comprehensive strategy covering 30 critical minerals: boosting domestic exploration, acquiring overseas resources, and ramping up recycling infrastructure. Backed by a ₹34,300 crore investment, the NCMM seeks to strengthen local supply chains, foster research and development (R&D), and establish strategic reserves both domestically and internationally. Although India has large mineral reserves, only a fraction has been explored. This untapped potential offers a compelling opportunity for global partnerships and investments. India possesses reserves of critical minerals such as copper and potentially cobalt, and unlocking these in an efficient, sustainable manner could bolster the global supply chain. To ensure recycled materials play a pivotal role, India has introduced policies like Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) and the Battery Waste Management Rules (BWMR) 2022. These mandates require producers to meet escalating annual recycling targets for lithium-ion batteries, thereby reintegrating recovered metals into the production cycle. India is witnessing a gradual shift from informal to formal battery recycling. According to BDO India, domestic recyclers could supply up to 48% of the country's lithium-ion battery demand by 2030. This transition is powered by growing private investments and policy incentives, including tax exemptions on critical mineral imports and urban mining initiatives announced in the 2025 Union Budget. End-of-life batteries are a rich source of lithium, cobalt, and nickel—metals that are becoming increasingly scarce. Tapping into this resource pool is essential to narrowing the supply-demand gap and achieving energy transition targets. As global demand for critical minerals is expected to hit $80 billion by 2040 (IEA), countries worldwide—including Japan, Canada, Australia, and EU members—are actively building resilient supply chains. India's global alliances, such as the India-US Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technologies (iCET) and its partnership with Australia on critical minerals research (IACMRP), underscore the importance of international collaboration. Interestingly, several minerals—like lithium, cobalt, nickel, and vanadium—are listed as critical by multiple major economies, reinforcing the need for collective recycling strategies and global coordination. Despite promising initiatives, India faces several execution hurdles: India's strategy includes short-, mid-, and long-term goals: Recycling battery waste could save India billions in imports, create substantial employment in urban mining, and cement its status as the recycling hub of the Global South. Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) such as KABIL, ONGC Videsh, and Coal India are playing a critical role in acquiring overseas assets, while the NCMM's funding drives domestic integration. However, India's funding still lags global benchmarks. The European Union (EU) has proposed a €10 billion fund, and the US has allocated $400 billion through the Inflation Reduction Act. Scaling India's commitment over time will be essential to strengthening recycling infrastructure, driving R&D in hydrometallurgy, and integrating informal workers through IoT-linked systems. To unlock the full potential of battery recycling, India must overcome regulatory, technological, and financial hurdles while accelerating domestic capability building. A phased strategy—driven by AI, supported by global alliances, and backed by policy—can convert India's battery waste burden into an economic and strategic asset. With the right blend of vision, partnerships, and innovation, India can turn its critical minerals challenge into a sustainable competitive advantage—ensuring energy sovereignty and a resilient green-tech future. This article is authored by Chetan Jain, senior vice president – business operations, LOHUM.
Time of India
23-04-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Delhi HC seeks Centre's reply on LG, Samsung plea against e-waste management policy hike
The Delhi High Court on Tuesday sought a response from the Centre on various petitions filed by electronic manufacturers, including LG Electronics India and Samsung India Electronics, challenging the electronic waste management policy that increased payouts to electronic-waste new rules mandate a minimum payment of Rs 22 per kg to recycle consumer electronics, the companies claim that it will triple their costs and benefit recyclers at their expense as the new prices were 5-15 times higher than the current prices. A division bench led by chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya issued notice to the Environment ministry on the petitions seeking setting aside of the electronic waste management rules which increased payouts to electronic-waste recyclers among other issues. The court will further hear the matter on May 16. Stating that the proposed rates were 'very high and should be reduced' and the government should let market forces determine the prices, counsel Vanita Bhargava told the court that the 2024 amendments in E-waste Management Rules 2022, the Plastic Waste Management Rules 2016, and the Battery Waste Management Rules, 2022 fixing the floor price and the ceiling price for the exchange of EPR certificate were 'manifestly arbitrary and violative of Article 14 and 19 of the Constitution of India and are ultra vires provisions of EP Act under which the Rules were framed. Instead of enforcing provisions of the EWM Rules, 2022 to monitor and check informal recyclers from processing in an environmentally unsound manner, the burden is being shifted to the producers without any cogent basis, she argued. Rules 15(9) and 15(10) of the amended E-waste Management Rules establish a mechanism for producers to fulfil their extended producer responsibility obligations through the purchase and sale of certificates, with the Central Pollution Control Board ensuring that the value of these certificates reflects the environmental impact of e-waste management. Samsung also said that 'the regulation of prices does not inherently serve the purposes of environmental protection ,' and this was 'expected to cause substantial financial impact'. LG in its petition stated that the government, through amendments, introduced a floor price and the ceiling price for the exchange of the extended producer responsibility certificates, and further, erroneously linked the exchange price of these certificates to the environmental compensation which was to be levied only in the event of a default by a producer. The rules "fail to take into consideration that merely by fleecing companies and taxing them in the name of the ' polluter pays principle ', the (government) objectives sought to be achieved cannot be achieved," the companies said.
Time of India
22-04-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Delhi HC seeks Centre's reply on LG, Samsung plea against electronic waste management policy hike
The Delhi High Court on Tuesday sought a response from the Centre on various petitions filed by electronic manufacturers, including LG Electronics India and Samsung India Electronics , challenging the electronic waste management policy that increased payouts to electronic-waste recyclers . As new rules mandate a minimum payment of Rs 22 per kg to recycle consumer electronics, the companies claim that it will triple their costs and benefit recyclers at their expense as the new prices were 5-15 times higher than the current prices. A division bench led by chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya issued notice to the Environment ministry on the petitions seeking setting aside of the electronic waste management rules which increased payouts to electronic-waste recyclers among other issues. The court will further hear the matter on May 16. Stating that the proposed rates were 'very high and should be reduced' and the government should let market forces determine the prices, counsel Vanita Bhargava told the court that the 2024 amendments in E-waste Management Rules 2022, the Plastic Waste Management Rules 2016, and the Battery Waste Management Rules, 2022 fixing the floor price and the ceiling price for the exchange of EPR certificate were 'manifestly arbitrary and violative of Article 14 and 19 of the Constitution of India and are ultra vires provisions of EP Act under which the Rules were framed. Instead of enforcing provisions of the EWM Rules, 2022 to monitor and check informal recyclers from processing in an environmentally unsound manner, the burden is being shifted to the producers without any cogent basis, she argued. Rules 15(9) and 15(10) of the amended E-waste Management Rules establish a mechanism for producers to fulfil their extended producer responsibility obligations through the purchase and sale of certificates, with the Central Pollution Control Board ensuring that the value of these certificates reflects the environmental impact of e-waste management. Samsung also said that 'the regulation of prices does not inherently serve the purposes of environmental protection ,' and this was 'expected to cause substantial financial impact'. LG in its petition stated that the government, through amendments, introduced a floor price and the ceiling price for the exchange of the extended producer responsibility certificates, and further, erroneously linked the exchange price of these certificates to the environmental compensation which was to be levied only in the event of a default by a producer. The rules "fail to take into consideration that merely by fleecing companies and taxing them in the name of the ' polluter pays principle ', the (government) objectives sought to be achieved cannot be achieved," the companies said.
