Glencore, FCC, and Iberdrola Tie-Up to Provide Lithium-ion Battery Circularity Solutions

Glencore, FCC, and Iberdrola partner to provide lithium-ion battery circularity solutions for Spain and Portugal.

Glencore, FCC Ámbito and Iberdrola are pleased to announce their intention to partner to provide lithium-ion battery recycling solutions at scale for Spain and Portugal. The aim is to tackle one of the biggest medium to long-term challenges in the sector, recycling of lithium-ion batteries through the establishment of a purpose-built facility. This would include second life repurposing as well as true end of life recycling solutions.

FCC Ámbito is a subsidiary of FCC Servicios Medio Ambiente that is the Iberian leader in comprehensive management of industrial and commercial waste.

Iberdrola is a global renewable energy leader, and through its PERSEO Venture Builder programme aims to facilitate access to the technologies of the future with a focus on sustainability. 

Glencore is one of the world’s largest global diversified natural resources companies and a major producer, recycler, and marketer of key battery metals. One of Glencore’s key strategic goals is accelerating circularity of critical minerals, especially those needed for the transition to a low carbon economy.

Together, the parties intend to combine their respective experience and expertise to offer comprehensive recycling and second life solutions for lithium-ion batteries, both from gigafactory production scrap and end-of-life batteries.

Kunal Sinha, Global Head of Recycling, Glencore, commented: “We are delighted to be part of this alliance on battery circularity with Iberdrola, a world leader in renewable energy, and the FCC Servicios Medio Ambiente, the leader in waste management services for Spain and Portugal. Together, we aim to leverage the individual strengths of each company to bring circularity to the lithium-ion battery ecosystem across Spain and Portugal. It also supports our ambition to grow our recycling business in new markets. We are particularly thrilled to launch this project in Spain where Glencore has been operating one of the world’s largest zinc smelters since 1960".

María J. Kaifer, Technical Director and Head of Circular Economy, FCC Ámbito, highlighted: “With this collaboration, our firm continues to pursue its strategic growth objectives, which it has been working on, such as the development of recycling solutions for materials from the energy transition".

Álvaro Portellano, Global Head of PERSEO Venture Builder, Iberdrola, said: "With a two-decade leadership in the global renewable energy industry and the transition to a decarbonize economy, sustainable business models are at the core of our strategy. At Iberdrola we regard this new cooperation as a valuable opportunity to continue closing the loop in the circularity of the energy transition we are helping to shape, while expanding our successful collaboration with FCC that is already addressing the wind blade recycling".