According to Investegate, on March 4, 2025, Gelion plc, a leading Anglo-Australian battery innovator, announced the successful completion of Phase 1 of the UK’s Advanced Propulsion Centre (APC) Technology Developer Accelerator Programme (TDAP). This milestone has secured £100,000 in Phase 2 grant funding and an additional £75,000 booster grant from the UK’s Department for Business and Trade (DBT). The funding will be used to accelerate Battery Minerals Ltd, Gelion’s UK subsidiary, in developing lithium-ion (Li-Ion) battery recycling technology—a key component of the sustainable battery solutions acquired from Johnson Matthey in 2023.
How Gelion’s Battery Recycling Technology is Driving Change
The UK government’s backing reflects growing demand for sustainable battery solutions, reinforcing Gelion’s mission to make battery recycling more efficient, cost-effective, and scalable. During Phase 1, Gelion demonstrated strong commercial demand for its innovative battery recycling technology and modular recycling unit design that integrates with existing black mass producers, reduces capital costs, enables localized lithium processing, minimizes supply chain dependencies, and remains cost-effective even at smaller scales.
This technology removes the need for large-scale refineries, which typically require higher costs and longer development times. It also aligns with the EU’s new battery recycling targets, which mandate a minimum of 6% lithium from recycled sources by 2031.
Phase 2: Advancing the Commercialization of Battery Recycling
With the transition to Phase 2 (running from February 2025 to November 2025), Gelion will focus on:
- Technology validation—refining the recycling process with partners to increase the technology readiness level (TRL).
- Feasibility study—evaluating the potential for a large-scale pilot plant.
- Expansion of research capabilities—establishing a dedicated laboratory facility and growing the research team.
Gelion CEO John Wood highlighted the importance of this development:
“We are excited to be progressing to Phase 2 of TDAP to accelerate our Lithium-Ion recycling technology suite to be investment and market-ready and to have received support with additional grant funding. The development of this cutting-edge, advanced recycling process is critical to the future of the European battery industry, and APC’s support is helping us advance toward bringing our solution to market.”
Gelion’s Broader Vision: Lithium-Sulfur and Zinc-Based Batteries
Beyond recycling, Gelion is leading the development of next-generation battery technologies, including:
Lithium-Sulfur (Li-S) Batteries
- High energy density (>400 Wh/kg in a 10+ Ah pouch cell).
- Semi-solid-state technology for increased longevity and safety.
- Simplified supply chain, using abundant sulfur and eco-friendly materials.
- Target applications: Electric vehicles (EVs), drones, and eVTOL aircraft.
Zinc Hybrid Batteries
- Designed as a low-cost, durable alternative to lead-acid batteries.
- Offers improved safety and energy density compared to existing lead-acid solutions.
- Aims to provide a sustainable market extension within the lead-acid battery ecosystem.
The Role of the Advanced Propulsion Centre UK (APC)
The APC UK, in collaboration with the UK government and the automotive industry, is a driving force in accelerating the industrialization of low-carbon and zero-emission technologies. Since 2013, the APC has:
- Funded 264 low-carbon projects involving 492 industry partners.
- Helped create or safeguard over 58,000 jobs in the UK.
- Projected savings of over 410 million tonnes of CO₂ emissions.
The Automotive Transformation Fund (ATF), launched in 2020, further accelerates UK-based battery, motors, power electronics, and fuel cell investments to secure a net-zero vehicle supply chain.
Conclusion: A Major Leap Toward Sustainable Battery Recycling
With government backing, Gelion’s Battery Minerals Ltd is set to revolutionize lithium-ion battery recycling by making it more localized, cost-effective, and scalable. As the world shifts toward sustainable energy solutions, this innovation is crucial for securing a self-sufficient critical minerals supply chain. By investing in cutting-edge battery recycling technologies, Gelion is not only addressing environmental concerns but also positioning itself as a key player in the global transition to clean energy. As Phase 2 progresses, this breakthrough could reshape the future of battery waste management and reinforce the UK’s leadership in sustainable battery innovation.
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