New collaborative programme aims to reduce dependence on imported lithium and cobalt while accelerating innovation in battery recycling and circular economy solutions…reports Asian Lite News
India and the European Union have strengthened their clean energy partnership with the launch of a major joint initiative focused on electric vehicle battery recycling, opening a fresh call for proposals backed by funding worth around Rs 169 crore.
The programme, launched under the India-EU Trade and Technology Council, aims to accelerate innovation in sustainable battery recycling technologies and reduce dependence on imported critical minerals as the global shift towards electric mobility gathers pace.
The initiative forms part of Working Group 2 on Green and Clean Energy Technologies and marks the third coordinated India EU call for proposals in the sector. Interested participants can submit applications until September 15, 2026.
Funding for the programme will come through the European Union’s Horizon Europe framework alongside support from India’s Ministry of Heavy Industries for domestic stakeholders.
The collaboration seeks to tackle one of the most pressing challenges facing the EV industry, the safe recycling of used batteries and efficient recovery of valuable raw materials such as lithium, graphite and cobalt.
According to officials, the initiative will support the development of advanced recycling technologies capable of achieving higher recovery rates while also handling mixed battery chemistries more effectively.
The programme will additionally focus on creating secure and digitalised battery collection systems, improving recycling logistics and supporting pilot scale demonstrations of emerging technologies.
A major feature of the initiative is the planned establishment of a joint India EU pilot line in India, which will allow real world testing and faster industrial deployment of innovative recycling solutions.
Officials said the project would also promote second life battery applications and encourage safer disposal and reuse practices within the growing EV ecosystem.
The broader objective is to help build a circular economy framework for battery materials while strengthening long term mineral security and environmental sustainability.
Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India Ajay Kumar Sood described the initiative as an important step forward in deepening strategic cooperation between India and the European Union.
He noted that as India’s electric vehicle market continues to expand rapidly, establishing a robust domestic battery recycling ecosystem will be crucial for resource security and sustainable industrial growth.
European Union Ambassador to India Herve Delphin said batteries would play a central role in the global green transition and stressed that the joint programme would help bridge the gap between research innovation and industrial scale implementation.
He added that the collaboration would also strengthen critical mineral resilience while advancing shared climate and clean energy goals.
Parvinder Maini, Scientific Secretary at the Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser, said the initiative would support India’s transition towards a circular economy by encouraging innovation and sustainable industrial practices.
Meanwhile, Marc Lemaitre, Director General for Research and Innovation at the European Commission, said the programme reflected the growing depth of India EU cooperation in green technology and sustainable innovation.
The latest initiative comes as both India and the European Union seek to expand collaboration in clean technology, resilient supply chains and strategic sectors linked to the global energy transition.
