Epic Energy has announced a strategic partnership with REFNIC, a brand owned by Zetrance Technology, to set up an advanced lithium-ion battery recycling and second-life facility in India. The collaboration aims to address the growing need for sustainable battery lifecycle management as electric vehicles (EVs), renewable energy systems, and energy storage applications continue to expand across the country. This project will be implemented through Swachchha Urja Nirman LLP, a special purpose vehicle of Epic Energy.
The initiative includes construction of a dedicated end-of-life battery recycling plant capable of processing up to 500 kilograms of “black mass” per hour. Black mass is the crushed powder derived from used batteries that contains valuable metals such as lithium, cobalt, nickel, and manganese. Recovering these materials will help reduce the environmental impact of discarded batteries and conserve critical resources.
Alongside the recycling plant, a second-life battery assembly facility will be established with a monthly processing capacity of around 10 megawatt-hours (MWh). This facility will focus on taking used battery cells with remaining usable capacity and repurposing them for stationary energy storage applications, prolonging their useful life and creating additional value.
REFNIC will serve as the technical partner for the project, responsible for the design, engineering, integration, installation, and commissioning of both the recycling and second-life facilities. By leveraging REFNIC’s expertise in battery processing systems, the collaboration aims to ensure efficient, safe, and scalable operations from the outset.
Epic Energy has indicated plans to expand these circular battery lifecycle solutions throughout India and explore broader opportunities as the ecosystem evolves. The company’s long-term vision aligns with emerging national priorities focused on sustainability, circular economy principles, and responsible management of battery resources.
This move builds on Epic Energy’s earlier efforts in battery recycling, including a technology licensing agreement with the Centre for Materials for Electronics Technology (C-MET). That previous collaboration provided experience in hydrometallurgical recycling processes and strengthens Epic Energy’s foundation for scaling up advanced recycling and repurposing initiatives.
