According to Pv Magazine India, Epic Energy has announced a strategic 10-year licensing agreement with the Centre for Materials for Electronics Technology (C-MET) to adopt its hydrometallurgical process for recycling end-of-life lithium-ion batteries—excluding lithium iron phosphate (LFP) chemistries. This partnership marks a major leap forward in India’s efforts to build a circular economy in electronic materials and bolster domestic recycling infrastructure. Through its subsidiary Swachcha Urja Nirman LLP (SUN LLP), Epic Energy will set up a specialized recycling facility utilizing C-MET’s technology, designed to extract valuable metals such as lithium, cobalt, and nickel from used batteries in an environmentally responsible way.
Facility Location, Timeline, and Investment
The planned facility will be located in Maharashtra or Gujarat, with commercial operations expected to begin by Q3 FY 2026. Starting with an initial processing capacity of one tonne of lithium batteries per day, the project represents a modest capital outlay of under $1 million USD.
Despite the lean budget, the financial model projects the facility to reach break-even status by FY 2027, highlighting the efficiency and scalability of C-MET’s hydrometallurgical process. This aligns with India’s national goals for self-reliance in critical materials and sustainable energy infrastructure.
C-MET’s Role in India’s Electronics Innovation
C-MET operates under India’s Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) and has been instrumental in pioneering indigenous technologies for electronic materials. Its core mission includes the development of pilot-scale, scalable technologies that enhance India’s capacity in high-value manufacturing sectors such as semiconductors, batteries, and green electronics.
The partnership with Epic Energy exemplifies C-MET’s commitment to transferring clean technologies to the private sector, facilitating rapid commercialization and industrial impact.
Aligning with India’s Green Economy and Circularity Goals
This agreement reflects Epic Energy’s proactive stance on battery recycling and the broader goal of reducing reliance on imported raw materials. It also supports India’s Make in India initiative and its transition toward a sustainable circular economy by recovering valuable materials from the growing volume of battery waste.
By targeting non-LFP lithium-ion chemistries, the facility will address a significant portion of battery waste streams that contain higher concentrations of critical minerals.
Conclusion
Epic Energy’s collaboration with C-MET positions the company at the forefront of India’s battery recycling revolution. With scalable technology, minimal investment, and government-aligned vision, this project is poised to not only recover critical minerals but also reduce environmental impact and reinforce domestic supply chains. As India’s EV and electronics sectors grow, initiatives like this ensure that recycling becomes a core pillar of sustainability, not just an afterthought. Epic Energy’s roadmap is not just a business move—it’s a blueprint for circular innovation in the clean energy age.
Want to stay updated on the battery industry? Check out the latest news on BatteriesDaily!
