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PRoject
Description
In STREAMS, a comprehensive portfolio of at least 12 scalable and flexible technologies and pilot scale solutions for the sustainable production of battery-grade precursors and their respective anode and cathode active materials will be developed, evaluated and successfully demonstrated.
These technological processes will be applied to materials from primary and secondary sources including recycled battery mass and photovoltaic waste.
STREAMS’ technological solutions will meet EU requirements for environmentally responsible design, and scale up, and anticipate regulatory compliance by conducting techno-economic, environmental, social impact and integrated risks assessments combined with life cycle sustainability and circularity assessments.
The project aims to advance sustainable battery technologies, contributing to Europe’s resilience and competitiveness. In its pursuit, STREAMS will focus on four key areas:
Strengthening the Domestic Supply Chain
Elevating Europe’s battery materials supply chain, reducing dependency on imported raw materials, and enhancing resilience, competitiveness, and strategic autonomy.
Comprehensive Technological Solutions
Pioneering a portfolio of at least 12 flexible and scalable technologies for sustainable production of battery-grade precursors, anode, and cathode active materials.
Utilisation of Diverse Material Streams
Promoting the use of various primary and secondary sources, along with recycled battery mass, to decrease reliance on third countries.
Circular Models for Sustainability
Developing circular models, manufacturing battery cells at a pilot scale, and testing to identify optimal conditions for future project result exploitation.
PRoject
Objectives
STREAMS aims to fortify Europe’s battery materials supply chain, reducing dependency on imports and improving resilience, competitiveness, and strategic autonomy in the global battery manufacturing industry. This will be achieved through the development and demonstration of a versatile portfolio of sustainable technologies for battery-grade precursors and active materials. Simultaneously, STREAMS will champion the use of diverse primary and secondary sources, including recycled battery mass. By implementing circular models, manufacturing battery cells at a pilot scale, and rigorous testing, STREAMS will identify optimal conditions for future project result exploitation.
PRoject
Specific objectives
SO1
Explore underutilised primary, secondary, and recycling resources, aiming to integrate them into European production of battery-grade precursors and final materials.
SO2
Conceptualise, develop, and demonstrate at least 12 innovative sustainable technologies and solutions for producing cathode precursors and reconditioning battery active materials.
SO3
Devise, create, and exhibit technologies for fully recovering, reconditioning, and reusing pure graphite anodes, biochar, and silicon/graphite composite anodes.
SO4
Improve the circularity performance of the materials value chain.
SO5
Illustrate the competitive electrochemical performance of the final materials and pouch cells produced from recycled, recovered and reconditioned battery-grade intermediates.
SO6
Foster an innovative infrastructure enabling the communication and exploitation of the STREAMS results across the European battery value chain and supporting the up-scaling of the proposed solutions.
PRoject
Impact
STREAMS will pioneer 12 scalable technologies for sustainable battery-grade precursor production, reducing Europe’s reliance on critical raw material imports. This strengthens the domestic battery supply chain, enhancing Europe’s resilience and competitiveness in the global battery industry. The solutions align with EU standards, conducting assessments for regulatory compliance, environmental impact, and circularity.
The synthesised materials will be used for 10 Ah battery cells at pilot scale, ensuring optimal conditions for future project result exploitation.
PRoject
Workplan
The STREAMS project implementation comprises eight Work Packages (WP).
WP1: Project Management and coordination
Focuses on project management and coordination, ensuring successful completion of scientific and technical objectives, adherence to the timeline and budget, production of high-quality results and deliverables, and effective management of intellectual property. AIT leads the technical coordination and project administration.
WP2: Resources pre-processing and characterisation
Aims to acquire, collect, and pre-process materials, including primary, secondary, and recycled battery streams, based on their physical form, chemical composition, and physico-chemical characteristics.
WP3: Production processes of lithium precursors
Covers the establishment of curricula for the SEP focuses on sustainable leaching, recovery, and purification of lithium from primary and secondary resources, targeting average recovery rates > 90%.
WP4: Production processes of transition metals precursors and battery active materials (Co, Ni, Mn)
Will develop advanced technological processes for the selective recovery of transition metals from secondary sources, targeting average recovery rates > 90%.
WP5: Production processes of graphite and silicon precursors
Will demonstrate processes for the preparation and production of anode active materials from primary and secondary sources, including photovoltaic waste and recycled battery mass.
WP6: Characterisation and electrochemical testing from active materials to pouch cells
Will include physico-chemical characterization of synthesised anode and cathode active materials, development of environmentally friendly slurries, upscaling electrode production, and manufacturing of prototype pouch cells, followed by electrochemical tests and advanced characterisation.
WP7: Sustainability, risk, and circularity assessments
Will establish the viability of the technologies pursued by project partners from the point of view of how exactly these technologies will be meeting the essential EU requirements for environmentally responsible design and scale up level of EU’s anticipated regulatory compliance; conducting techno-economic, environmental,social impact and integrated risks assessments; performing Harmonised Life Cycle Sustainability and circularity assessments. Each technology developed and demonstrated in the scope of work of STREAMS will be assessed using the aforementioned matrix of variables to allow, where needed, adjustments and improvements in the STREAMS solutions, and to provide information of their performance.
WP8: Communication, dissemination and exploitation
Will focus on dissemination and exploitation activities, developing a strategy for sharing project results, supporting impacts, maintaining a dynamic web presence, establishing an exploitation strategy, promoting and exploiting project results, exploring the possibility of replicating STREAMS methodology, and collaborating with other European initiatives. F6S leads the WP, supported by all consortium members.
PRoject
Partners
STREAMS brings together an excellent consortium of 19 partners from 13 different countries.
The consortium is composed of 5 Research centres/organisations, 4 Universities and 10 Industries & SMEs.
The consortium is well balanced and each partner has a clear role defined and brings a specific contribution along the value chain of the project.
The Austrian Institute of Technology (AIT) stands as Austria’s premier research and technology organisation, distinguished for its specialisation in addressing pivotal infrastructure challenges on both national and European fronts. With a workforce of around 1,400 professionals, primarily based in key facilities such as Vienna Giefinggasse, Seibersdorf, Ranshofen, and Graz, AIT serves as an Ingenious Partner, dedicated to advancing technologies, methodologies, and tools to meet the demands of the future.
Under the motto “Tomorrow Today,” AIT holds a leading position within Austria’s innovation system and plays a vital role in Europe, focusing on critical infrastructure topics. AIT’s research and technological development extend across key domains, including Energy, Transport Technologies, Health & Bioresources, Digital Safety & Security, Vision, Automation & Control, and Technology Experience. Complemented by expertise in Innovation Systems & Policy, AIT serves as a crucial network node at the intersection of science and industry.
Role
In STREAMS, AIT will lead the project coordination (Work Package 1) and the physio-chemical and electrochemical testing of the electroactive materials, including aqueous slurry development for electrode upscaling (Work Package 6).
Under the motto “Tomorrow Today,” AIT holds a leading position within Austria’s innovation system and plays a vital role in Europe, focusing on critical infrastructure topics. AIT’s research and technological development extend across key domains, including Energy, Transport Technologies, Health & Bioresources, Digital Safety & Security, Vision, Automation & Control, and Technology Experience. Complemented by expertise in Innovation Systems & Policy, AIT serves as a crucial network node at the intersection of science and industry.
ETI BAKIR ANONIM SIRKETI’s Mazidagi Subesi, known as Eti Gübre, holds a significant position in the Turkish mining and fertiliser sector. Specialising in the production of high-quality fertilisers, Eti Gübre has played a crucial role in advancing agricultural development in the region. Rigorous quality control measures are integral to the company’s processes, ensuring that its fertilisers consistently meet and surpass industry standards.
Innovation is a driving force at Eti Gübre, as the company places great emphasis on research and development. This commitment translates into a continuous effort to provide farmers with cutting-edge solutions that not only improve crop yields but also adhere to the principles of responsible and ethical production. Environmental responsibility is deeply ingrained in Eti Gübre’s operations, with a focus on minimising ecological impact through the implementation of eco-friendly practices. The company actively promotes and supports sustainable agriculture, reflecting its dedication to environmental stewardship.
Role: Eti Gübre will lead Work Package 2 and supply the STREAMS consortium with mining tailings and the Bayer liquor concentrate.
GLOCK TECHNOLOGY GMBH (GTEC), headquartered in Austria, stands at the forefront of global firearm manufacturing, renowned for its innovative expertise in cutting-edge firearms and accessories. The company prioritises precision, reliability, and durability in its offerings. GTEC delivers a diverse range of high-performance firearms tailored for law enforcement, military, and civilian use, embodying Austrian precision and quality.
The company’s commitment to stringent quality control and rigorous testing solidifies its standing as a premier name in the competitive landscape of firearm manufacturing. In the GLOCK group, GTEC is responsible for Research and Development activities in the field of biomass
gasification and process development.
Role: GTEC will supply the consortium with biochar from its biomass gasification
equipment, which will be processed to a conductive additive for cathodes and anodes (Work Package 2 and 5).
SiPow started in 2021 the market penetration of high pure silicon production, with recovered from WEEE and WEEE photovoltaic at end-of-life and purified to be adopted into Li batteries, creating the very first up and running Circular Economy for upcycled pure silicon with proprietary purification technologies from recovered recycled materials.
The company actively fosters international partnerships through its network of raw materials traders. By enabling the exchange of new materials on a global scale, SiPow fills market gaps with inventive models. This strategic approach contributes to a more interconnected and sustainable global supply chain, further solidifying SiPow’s position as a key player in the dynamic landscape of silicon production and materials recovery.
Role: SiPow will deliver purified silicon recovered from photovoltaic solar scrap and adapted as feedstock material for anode battery production (Work Package 2). It will also characterise the silicon source to identify its chemical impurities.
INSTYTUT SORBTSIYI TA PROBLEM ENDOEKOLOHIYI NATSIONALNOYI AKADEMIYI NAUK UKRAYINY (ISPE) is a leading scientific institution in Ukraine for the synthesis, study and practical application of specialised carbon, inorganic, composite sorbents and catalysts, ecological protection of the environment, as well as new carbon electrode materials for supercapacitors, batteries and hybrid power supply systems.
Role: ISPE will lead tasks 3.1 (Work Package 3) of and 4.1 (Work Package 4) by performing electrowinning to recover metal ions from the secondary sources and recycled black mass. ISPE will also prepare LFP from recycled black mass and will assist AETC in the production of Si/C anodes composites (Work Package 5).
Founded in 1958, the University of Oulu is an international science university which creates innovation for the future, well-being, and knowledge through multidisciplinary research and education.
Future innovation is about seeking, utilising and applying new knowledge. The University of Oulu researches people and culture in a changing living environment, as well as opportunities that new technology provides for improving the well-being of people and the environment. The University of Oulu is a multidisciplinary expert in Northerness.
Role: UOulu will lead Work Package 3 and develop sustainable hydrometallurgical processes for the recovery of critical and strategic metals and will also synthesise NMC powders from the recycled precursors (Work Package 4).
ACONDICIONAMIENTO TARRASENSE ASSOCIACION (LEITAT) is a private technological centre with different locations in the Barcelona region. Founded in 1906, LEITAT is one of the reference entities at state and European level in technology management. It has a team of more than 500 professionals, experts in applied research, technical services and management of technological and innovation initiatives. LEITAT provides social, industrial, economic and sustainable value, offering comprehensive solutions in multiple sectors and areas: health & biomedicine, development of new materials, eco-sustainable production, occupational health prevention systems, revaluation of waste and use of natural resources, interconnectivity and digitization of industry, green energy and maximisation of energy efficiency. LEITAT is recognized by the Ministry of Science and Innovation and is one of the main entities participating in the Horizon2020 and Horizon Europe program of the European Union.
Role: LEITAT will mainly support Work Package 2, 3, 4 and 7 by developing a continuous electrochemical Li-recovery process and selective liquid membranes for the purification and recovery of critical and strategic metals. LEITAT will also dismantle batteries delivered to the consortium via IMN.
Founded in 1898 by Dr. Carl Auer von Welsbach, the inventor of the incandescent mantle and the lighter “flint” as Treibacher Chemische Werke, TREIBACHER INDUSTRIE (TIAG) is a well-established international company with over 100 years’ experience in chemistry and metallurgy. At its headquarter in Althofen, Austria, Treibacher develops and manufactures ferroalloys for the steel and foundry industries, powders for the carbide industry, materials for high performance ceramics and fine chemicals and special alloys.
The company has emerged as a preeminent provider of high-performance materials and chemical products. TIAG’s versatile portfolio extends its influence across a spectrum of sectors, including pharmaceuticals, aviation, aerospace, automotive, electronics, steel, carbide, biomedicine, water purification, and environmental catalysts.
Role: Treibacher will upscale the Li-recovery from black mass at its industrial facilities using sustainable hydrometallurgy with mixtures of citric and sulphuric acid (Work Package 3).
Situated in Belgium, the University of Liège (ULIE), established in 1817, is a distinguished institution with a rich history. Focused on pragmatic education and real-world impact, it stands out for its practical approach to research and learning. The university serves as a dynamic research hub, with multiple research centres delving into a spectrum of fields. From progressive technology to societal challenges, ULIE is actively involved in impactful research that addresses real-world problems.
GREEnMat – a chemistry research laboratory from ULIE, is specialised in the optimised synthesis of nano-/micro-sized powders (oxides, alloys, metals, hybrids, …) as electrode and electrolyte materials, the development of formulations (suspensions and/or slurries) for the processing of layers (by spray or tape-casting) to be assembled into
batteries and the study of electrochemical mechanisms of new electrode and electrolyte materials for rechargeable batteries.
Role: In STREAMS, GREEnMat will synthesise NMC from the recycled precursors using spray drying, and will recondition NMC cathodes from black mass using solid-state processing, hydrometallurgy and/or spray drying (Work Package 4 and 6).
NanoPow AS (NPW), founded in Oslo in 2016, is a Norwegian company established to commercialise the invention of Professor Hiroshi Nagayoshi. During the last 21 years, he has developed a method to produce crystalline nano silicon powder, suitable for application in lithium-ion battery anodes at the Shonan Institute of Technology (Japan). is propelled by a mission to boost battery technology.
Role: NPW will lead Work Package 5, produce carbon-coated, nano-sized crystalline Si particles from the recycled silicon, and use them to make Si/C composites.
Established in 1963, the Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey (Tübitak) is the leading agency for management, funding and conduct of research in Türkiye. Tübitak is engaged with promoting, developing, organising, conducting and coordinating research and development in line with national targets and priorities.
Role: Tübitak will be involved in Work Package 4 and 6, lead Task 6.3, and responsible for upscaling the cathode and anode manufacturing from the recycled/recovered materials and fabricating 40 10 Ah pouch cells on their pilot line.
The Institute of Non-Ferrous Metals (IMN) is a highly specialised research organisation with many years of experience in the field of chemical power sources. Established as part of the Lukasiewicz Research Network in Poland, IMN focuses on advancing research and innovation in areas related to non-ferrous metals and materials science.
At the core of IMN’s expertise lies its proficiency in the development and advancement of chemical power sources. Leveraging years of experience, the institute plays a vital role in pioneering innovative solutions that contribute to the evolution of energy storage technologies.
Role: IMN will perform key safety tests of the manufactured pouch cells according to section 38.3 of the UN Manual of Tests and Criteria – UN Transportation Testing (Work Package 2 and 6).
Enviva, a dynamic startup consultancy, is dedicated to empowering clients to make smarter and better decisions for sustainable and circular transition. Their data-driven solutions deploy the latest Machine Learning Methods, Simulation and
Modelling, Control, Testing, and Implementation Techniques.
Role: ENVIVA will measure and assess the circularity of STREAMS’ life cycle by integrating circularity indicators (Work package 7).
Role: F6S will lead Work Package 8 on Communication, Dissemination and Exploitation with the main objective of creating the right buzz around the project activities and maximize its impacts.
UNE is an established woman-owned engineering company located in Ukraine. The company possesses decades-long experience in the fields of science and technology, detailed design engineering, and complex enterprise engineering.
Role: UNE will be involved in all Work Packages (mainly WP8), will design furnaces and reactors for cathode material production and graphite beneficiation, as well as model a pilot plant for battery materials production using the technologies developed in STREAMS.
EV1 stands as a wholly owned subsidiary of Evolution Energy Minerals Limited (EEML), a notable entity in the energy and minerals sector. As a subsidiary, EV1 operates under the umbrella of EEML’s strategic vision, bringing forth specialised expertise in a particular domain. EEML owns the Chilalo Graphite Project, which is located in Tanzania.
Role: EV1 will supply the consortium with natural graphite from the Chilalo mine (Work Package 2).
American Energy Technologies Company (AETC) is a woman-owned, privately held business concern which conducts operations out of the greater Chicago area, Illinois, USA. In its Arlington Heights, IL facility AETC operates three business units: a manufacturing plant producing battery-ready graphites and carbons, a pilot demonstration facility for battery materials and graphite dispersions, and a fully-functional research and development laboratory supporting the above business units. AETC is responsible for preparing black mass from NMC and LFP cells.
Role: AETC will beneficiate the graphite from the Chilalo project as well as from recycled black mass, and will also prepare Si/C composites, delivering all these components and intermediates to the STREAMS consortium (Work Package 2 and 5).
ICL is a science-based university with an international reputation for excellence in teaching and research and is the only UK University to focus entirely on science, engineering, medicine and business. ICL possesses a range of modern, state-of-the-art facilities for the implementation of research into innovative technologies and approaches that will have demonstrable impacts, while taking into consideration sustainability, circularity and environmental aspects.
Role: ICL will design the ecodesign framework in STREAMS following safe and sustainable by design criteria (Work Package 7).
UoW has an acknowledged reputation for excellence in research, teaching, innovation and links with industry. As a dynamic hub for innovation, where groundbreaking ideas find practical applications, the institution’s emphasis on innovation extends beyond academic pursuits, fostering an entrepreneurial spirit that diffuses research projects, student initiatives, and collaborations with industry partners.
Role:UoW will use deep eutectics to leach the critical and strategic ions from recycled battery mass, and develop a continuous processing method for metal recovery, separation, purification and precipitation. UoW will also perform extensive post-mortem characterization of the STREAMS cells using advanced characterization techniques (Work Package 3, 4 and 6).
