The newly established Rotterdam facility signifies a significant investment in meeting the needs of the electric vehicle (EV) and battery production markets.
September 9, 2024, Rotterdam, NL. – SK Tes, a global leader in battery recycling solutions, is proud to announce the opening of its state-of-the-art battery recycling facility in Rotterdam. This significant milestone underscores SK Tes’ commitment to developing a global network of sustainable battery recycling facilities, providing closed-loop solutions essential for the burgeoning electric vehicle (EV) industry. With the demand for battery production materials outstripping supply, this new facility is a circular investment in the future of battery recycling.
The new Rotterdam facility, initially spanning 10,000 square meters with potential expansion to 40,000 square meters, represents a substantial investment in addressing the material needs of the EV market. Equipped to process up to 10,000 tonnes of material annually—with plans to double this capacity—the facility utilizes an industry-leading inert crushing and vacuum drying process to safely recycle lithium and EV batteries, as well as battery production scrap.
"SK Tes has worked closely with automotive OEMs and battery manufacturers to understand their needs and ensure we remain at the forefront of recycling technology," stated Thomas Holberg, Chief Operating Officer at SK Tes. "We have already begun receiving equipment from many of our clients and expect to fill the plant’s capacity swiftly. We are committed to meeting the needs of our customers and playing our part in accelerating the transition to a more sustainable, low-carbon future.”
Leveraging cutting-edge, proprietary technology and innovative processes, SK Tes will recover crucial raw materials from spent batteries and battery production scrap. Waste EV batteries and recalled batteries will be safely processed at the SK Tes battery recycling facility in Rotterdam.
As a part of the battery recycling process, SK Tes extracts black mass—an intermediate product containing rare metals such as lithium, cobalt, and nickel—that is fed back into the battery supply chain. By recovering valuable materials from used batteries, SK Tes mitigates environmental impact and supports the growing demand for raw materials required for new battery manufacturing.
The new facility positions SK Tes as one of the largest global providers of lithium battery recycling services. This initiative is part of SK Tes’s broader strategy to stabilize supply chains and ensure the availability of essential materials for new battery production.
Western Europe is considered a key part of the global EV battery industry. According to McKinsey (2023), demand for lithium-ion batteries in the EU will reach 1.1 TWh in 2030, accounting for about 23.4% of global demand. Supply is projected at 1.25 TWh, or 19% of global supply. Notably, Germany has seen investments in new battery production facilities totaling 552 GWh.
SK Tes will provide end-of-life battery management solutions using the Rotterdam battery recycling facility as its strategic base. It also plans to expand capabilities in Southern and Eastern Europe. In Asia, SK Tes recently completed a facility in Yancheng, China, and plans to open another in Newcastle, Australia later this year.
SK Tes is equipped with the three key components for successful battery recycling: infrastructure, technology, and regulatory compliance. This enables SK Tes to offer complete global battery management solutions—from waste collection to rare metal extraction.
"The SK Tes Rotterdam Battery Recycling Plant is located in a key logistics hub in Western Europe, and it was developed utilizing a combination of SK Tes' innovative waste battery recycling technology and environmentally friendly approach. The opening is a milestone in supporting the sustainability of the battery industry in Europe," said Thomas Holberg, SK Tes Chief Operating Officer. "We will enhance the global battery recycling market through our unique technology and global network."
The strategic location of the Port of Rotterdam, Europe’s largest seaport, improves the efficiency and sustainability of SK Tes' operations by streamlining material transport. Coupled with strict environmental health and safety compliance, the facility contributes positively to the port’s goal of attracting sustainable industry.
“The opening of SK Tes’ new battery recycling facility is an important step forward for the Port of Rotterdam,” said Boudewijn Siemons, CEO of the Port of Rotterdam. “The Port aims to play a leading role internationally in the energy transition as well as in the raw materials transition. SK Tes’ innovative new facility ticks both boxes and is part of a new industrial landscape, recycling materials that are crucial for the energy transition. We look forward to continuing our good working relationship and hope to see solid growth of SK Tes’ activities in Rotterdam.”
SK Ecoplant, the parent company of SK Tes, plays a pivotal role in supporting the company’s growth. Originally known as TES, the company rebranded to SK Tes following its 100% acquisition in 2022.
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