Southeast Asia’s First Battery Recycling Facility in Singapore

Southeast Asia’s First Battery Recycling Facility to Recover Precious Metals from Batteries Opens in Singapore

SINGAPORE, 24 March 2021

E-waste recycling giant SK tes officially opened its state-of-the-art lithium battery recycling facility, SK tes B, in Singapore today. The first of its kind in Southeast Asia, the facility can recycle up to 14 tonnes of lithium-ion batteries daily—the equivalent of 280,000 smartphone batteries. Using a combination of mechanical equipment and hydrometallurgical processes, the plant recovers valuable metals such as nickel, lithium, and cobalt.

Partially powered by a 1MWh second-life Energy Storage System (ESS) and 350kWh of rooftop solar panels, SK tes B offers the most sustainable battery recycling solution in the region.

Official Opening

Singapore’s Minister for Sustainability and the Environment, Grace Fu, officiated the opening alongside Dr. Amy Khor, Senior Minister of State for Sustainability and the Environment. They were joined virtually by SK tes CEO Gary Steele, Chairman Terence Ng, and Navis Capital Senior Partner Jean-Christophe Marti. Officials from the National Environment Agency (NEA), Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB), industry partners, and clients were also present.

SK tes’ proprietary battery recycling technology ensures a precious metal recovery rate exceeding 90%, achieving a purity level of nearly 99%—making the recovered materials commercially ready for new battery production. The facility uses advanced shredding and separation technology to process batteries into black mass, followed by chemical treatment to extract lithium, cobalt, and other valuable elements.

This closed-loop recycling method prevents the release of harmful contaminants, such as heavy metals or volatile organic compounds, making it an environmentally sustainable solution.

Awards & Recognition: SK tes B was named Project of the Year by the Singapore Business Review’s Technology Excellence Awards 2020 and was a finalist in the Reuters Responsible Business Awards 2020 under the Sustainability Innovation Award category.

Gary Steele, TES CEO: “The opening of the SK tes B recycling facility in Singapore marks a major milestone in our vision to be a global sustainability leader. The battery industry is facing raw material shortages due to the rise of IoT devices, electric vehicles, and mobility devices. These challenges require real-world solutions. Working closely with the EDB and NEA, SK tes has developed an innovative battery recycling solution that further cements Singapore’s position in the future circular economy.”

Jean-Christophe Marti, Navis Capital Senior Partner: “As a majority shareholder since 2013, Navis is excited at the rapid growth of SK tes and will continue to support investments in sustainable innovations. Advanced Battery Recycling is at the heart of this strategy to develop a global sustainability leader.”

Luke Goh, NEA CEO: “The SK tes B recycling facility is integral to the Extended Producer Responsibility Scheme’s ecosystem for e-waste management. It will help build capacity for lithium-ion battery recycling in Singapore and allow for the recovery of valuable materials, supporting the circular economy.”

Chng Kai Fong, EDB Managing Director: “SK tes choosing Singapore for its first closed-loop battery recycling facility reflects confidence in Singapore’s business environment. As EV adoption and solar deployment grow, SK tes B will contribute to Singapore’s sustainability agenda while creating new job opportunities.”

Beyond battery recycling, SK tes is collaborating with strategic partners to introduce energy storage systems (ESS) using retired EV batteries for commercial and residential energy needs. ESS technology, utilizing second-life battery cells, offers an efficient energy storage alternative for green energy plants, remote mining operations, and telecommunications infrastructure.