Clean energy company Aceleron has been selected to implement the IEC Global Impact Fund’s inaugural project: “Catalyzing innovation for circular models in Africa – turning battery e-waste into e-resources”.
Aceleron will use its compression lithium-ion battery technology to implement a study that transforms old batteries into new ones, with the batteries tested to IEC standards at Aceleron facilities in Kenya and Uganda.
The project, which will be under the guidance of the Kenyan National Committee, will provide a use case of standardized testing for assessment in the two countries.
With global demand for batteries increasing, so does the potential for e-waste. This especially true in Africa where batteries are seen as a key solution to the problem of electricity access.
Philippe Metzger, IEC secretary-general and CEO, said: “Through investing in the standardization of proven methods to turn battery e-waste into useful resources, we are helping to provide a foundation on which further climate mitigation initiatives can grow.”
Dr Amrit Chandan, CEO and co-founder of Aceleron said: “Off-grid solar (OGS) technologies provide life-changing access to modern energy services for communities that don’t have electricity, but the batteries that run them are most likely to fail first. The support from the IEC Global Impact Fund is a valuable opportunity to develop a sustainable way to re-use the natural resources in batteries without a negative impact on the environment.”
“The data created from the project can help further improve relevant standards, which in turn will allow this technology to grow. The result is that more communities can reap the many benefits from electrification while at the same time contributing to climate change mitigation.”
The pilot project will run for an initial two years, with support from IEC.