- The Kirchardt hub can process over 3,000 tonnes of batteries per year.
- The facility connects to a hydrometallurgical site in Harjavalta, Finland.
- The recycling process recovers over 95% of valuable metals like lithium, cobalt, manganese, and nickel.
- Fortum is exploring expansion in other European regions.
Permit and Operations
Fortum Battery Recycling has received an environmental BImSchG-permit from Landratsamt Heilbronn, allowing it to commence EV battery recycling operations in Kirchardt, Baden-Württemberg, Germany. This new hub will process 'end-of-life' lithium-ion batteries and battery production waste materials.
Technological Integration
The Kirchardt facility will be connected to Fortum's hydrometallurgical recycling site in Harjavalta, Finland, which is set to start commercial operations soon. This integration offers local manufacturers access to the Finnish sustainable battery raw materials cluster.
Recycling Technology
Fortum employs a combination of mechanical and hydrometallurgical technologies to recycle battery materials. The process, developed in-house, is optimized for safety, sustainability, and high recovery rates. The Harjavalta site uses advanced technology with a low-carbon footprint, recovering over 95% of valuable metals like lithium, cobalt, manganese, and nickel from the battery's black mass.
Capacity and Expansion
The Kirchardt hub can treat over 3,000 tonnes of batteries annually and offers closed-loop services for the battery and automotive sectors in central Europe. Fortum is also exploring the potential to expand its operations to other European regions.
