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SK tes makes move on batteries ‘right on time’

‘There are many complexities when we’re talking about battery recycling,’ said coo Thoms Holberg at the grand opening of the new SK tes battery plant in Rotterdam. ‘We are committed to meeting the challenges of today and tomorrow.

‘It’s a great day today, one I’ve been looking forward to for many months,’ Holberg told the crowd on 26 September.

The site, located in Europe’s largest seaport, will process around 10 000 tonnes of batteries per year. They comprise both production scrap and end-of-life batteries.

‘Many thanks to our wonderful team at SK tes,’ Holberg added. ‘The result of this project is based on teamwork and our shared commitment and expertise. I also want to thank our partners at the port of Rotterdam for their patience and believing in us.’

Right on time

The company had to delay construction work several times due to permitting issues. ‘We were ready a year-and-a-half ago. Then suddenly the government changed a lot of the rules and we had to start all over again, waiting for the green light. I am very excited we are finally up and running.

‘We are ready to make a difference in the complex battery recycling landscape.’

According to Holberg, it is a crucial time to expand battery recycling capacity in Europe. ‘There is huge demand for e-mobility vehicles on the horizon. Recyclers know timing is everything. Are we too early? Are we too late? That’s the big question. Especially when it comes to big investments like ours.

‘I am confident we are still right on time with our cornerstone recycling plant that, in my view, will demonstrate the power of the battery recycling industry.’

Green Deal support

Kerstin Lichtenvort, battery specialist at the European Commission’s Directorate-General for the Environment, said EV battery recycling had a ‘pivotal role’ in advancing the European Green Deal. She noted how initiatives like SK tes’ new facility are the foundation to realise ambitious sustainability goals.

Additionally, state-of-the-art recycling facilities for batteries are important for energy transition in Europe, observed Hyejeong Ahn, deputy chief of mission at the South Korean embassy. She added that the warm relationship between her country and the Netherlands made Rotterdam the right location for such an innovative recycling plant.

‘Together, we can overcome the hurdles we are all facing,’ she said.

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