Iondrive Ltd (ASX:ION) has signed a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Netherlands Organisation for Applied Scientific Research (TNO) to collaborate on the development and commercialisation of sustainable battery recycling technology.
This agreement, the company's second in the EU, will leverage TNO’s expertise and global network to validate Iondrive’s proprietary process and accelerate its deployment.
The two organisations will collaborate to establish a scalable supply chain for critical battery materials and develop the capacity to meet the growing demand for sustainable minerals in the Netherlands and Northwestern Europe.
Access to pan-European market
“This partnership with TNO marks a pivotal moment for Iondrive as we collaborate to accelerate the commercialisation of our battery recycling technology in Europe,” Iondrive CEO Dr Ebbe Dommisse said.
“The timing is ideal, with Europe advancing its sustainable battery initiatives under the European Green Deal and new Batteries Regulation, which mandates high recovery levels for critical materials like cobalt, lithium and nickel starting from 2025.
“TNO’s deep expertise in sustainable innovation and its strategic position, for instance within the Battery Competence Cluster NL, will bolster our efforts to establish a robust supply chain for recycled battery materials.
“This partnership in the Netherlands not only enhances our technological capabilities but also strengthens our foothold in the European market, complementing our partnership with PEM in Germany as a pan-European drive where regionalising battery recycling is crucial for maximising both environmental and economic benefits.”
Read: Iondrive will collaborate to commercialise battery recycling technology in Europe
Networking and commercial opportunities
TNO, an independent research organisation with more than 3,000 employees, specialises in applying scientific knowledge to enhance societal well-being and sustainability.
TNO collaborates with businesses, government bodies and other organisations to create practical solutions for complex challenges and has played a crucial role in advancing the energy transition and battery ecosystem in the Netherlands.
“The signing of an MoU between TNO and Iondrive is an illustration of the desired impact of our work,” a TNO spokesperson said.
“TNO aims to shorten time-to-market of technology by harnessing its technology position, understanding of policy making and business acumen.”
Building a sustainable future
TNO believes the MoU will lead to concrete initiatives and impactful developments in battery recycling across Northwestern Europe
“For instance, by validating technologies ourselves, or by undertaking joint projects with other leading European players in battery technology,” TNO’s spokesperson explained.
“There is a clear economic and societal need for the Netherlands and neighbouring countries to get its battery supply chain organised, linking all lifecycle stages of the battery.
“This is exemplified by the network of the Battery Competence Cluster NL. A policy driver like the requirement of the battery passport after 2027 signifies a development that offers new prospects to battery recycling.
“Offering an opportunity to Iondrive to deploy novel material technologies, therefore, makes much sense, as we have no time to lose.
“We can’t just wait for the future.”
ION expects to release its pre-feasibility study (PFS) for its commercial-scale plant this month, which will detail the design, cost estimates and operational plan for the asset.
From there, the company will begin construction of a pilot plant in 2025 to further validate the technology at scale and prepare for commercial deployment, positioning Iondrive to meet demand for sustainable battery recycling solutions in the target markets of the EU, US and Australia.