Rosatom Unveils Innovative Circular Solutions for Lithium‑Ion Battery Recycling

Russia’s state nuclear corporation is rolling out end‑to‑end lithium‑ion battery production and recycling technology — aiming to power 100,000 EVs annually while closing the loop on resource use.

Rosatom presented its latest domestic developments for lithium‑ion battery recycling at a national conference in Moscow’s Civic Chamber, signaling a push toward a fully circular battery economy in Russia. Backed by the corporation’s Fuel Division, the event brought together government officials, scientists and industry leaders for a deep dive into next‑generation waste‑to‑resource processes.

At the heart of Rosatom’s proposal is a comprehensive life‑cycle management system. The company has developed an online monitoring platform that tracks each cell’s health in real time, forecasts fire risks and dynamically adjusts operating parameters to extend battery life and safety. This digital layer is designed to seamlessly integrate with downstream recycling facilities, ensuring spent cells reenter the supply chain with minimal environmental impact.

Construction is already underway on two Russian “gigafactories” dedicated to lithium‑ion battery production — one in the Kaliningrad region, another in New Moscow. Scheduled to come online between 2025 and 2026, together they’ll boast a combined output of 8 GWh, enough to equip 100,000 electric vehicles each year. By localizing both manufacturing and recycling, Rosatom aims to reduce reliance on imported materials and bolster Russia’s technological sovereignty in the burgeoning energy‑storage market.

Environmental benefits extend beyond resource optimization. Closed‑loop recycling cuts landfill burdens and curbs the ecological toll of raw‑material extraction. Rosatom projects that widespread adoption of its technologies will lower lifecycle greenhouse‑gas emissions for EV batteries by up to 30 percent — an important step toward global “green” economy goals.

In rolling out an integrated production‑to‑recycling pipeline, Rosatom is positioning itself as a leader in sustainable energy infrastructure. The initiative underscores Moscow’s broader strategy to climb the value chain in advanced manufacturing and export high‑tech solutions. If successful, Russia could emerge as a key exporter of battery‑technology platforms tailored for both industrial and automotive markets worldwide.