India And EU Launch Rs 169 Crore Joint Initiative For EV Battery Recycling

New Delhi, May 6 (KNN) India and the European Union (EU) have launched a third coordinated call for proposals on recycling electric vehicle (EV) batteries. 

Announced on Tuesday under the India–EU Trade and Technology Council (TTC) framework, Working Group 2 on Green and Clean Energy Technologies, the initiative aims to strengthen resource security, promote a circular economy, advance clean energy technologies, and deepen cooperation between India and the European Union in the strategic EV value chain.

Funding and Implementation

The initiative has a total funding pool of EUR 15.2 million (around Rs 169 crore). It will be financed through the EU’s Horizon Europe programme, while the Indian component will be supported by the Ministry of Heavy Industries (MHI).

The submission deadline for proposals is 15 September 2026.

Technology and Pilot Projects

The call will support development of advanced recycling technologies, including high-efficiency recovery of materials, digitalised collection systems, and pilot-scale demonstration projects.

A key feature of the programme is the establishment of a joint India–EU pilot facility in India to validate and scale up recycling processes in real-world conditions.

The focus areas include high material recovery rates, handling of mixed battery chemistries, safe logistics systems, and second-life applications for critical minerals such as lithium, graphite and cobalt.

Strategic Importance

Ajay Kumar Sood, Principal Scientific Adviser (PSA) to the Government (India) said the programme marks a key step in strengthening the India–EU strategic partnership and advancing sustainable resource management.

Hervé Delphin, Ambassador of the European Union to India emphasised the importance of batteries in the global green transition and the need to move innovations from development to real-world deployment to support climate and mineral security goals.

Dr. Parvinder Maini, Scientific Secretary, PSA Office, noted that the initiative will help build a digital, inclusive logistics model while integrating informal sector participation and ensuring safety standards for second-life battery use.

The initiative is expected to deepen India–EU cooperation in clean technologies while supporting sustainable supply chains and reducing dependence on imported critical minerals through improved recycling capacity.

(KNN Bureau)