A new report published by the International Energy Agency and the European Patent Office highlights rapid growth in battery recycling and reuse technologies as countries seek to strengthen critical mineral supply chains and improve energy security.
According to the report, international patent families related to battery circularity technologies grew at an average annual rate of 42% between 2017 and 2023, significantly outpacing growth in rechargeable battery manufacturing patents over the same period.
The study links the increase in innovation activity to rising electric vehicle (EV) adoption, growing battery waste volumes and policy measures requiring manufacturers to manage end-of-life batteries.
The report notes that about 1,2 million EV batteries could reach end of life globally by 2030, increasing to around 14 million by 2040. Recycling and reuse technologies are expected to play an increasingly important role in reducing reliance on primary mining and easing pressure on critical mineral supply chains.
According to the report, batteries have become central to energy security, renewable energy integration and industrial competitiveness, driving increased focus on circular supply chains and resource recovery.
President of the European Patent Office António Campinos says innovation in battery circularity technologies is becoming increasingly important for resource security and industrial competitiveness.
“Innovation in battery circularity technologies is key to securing resources, strengthening competitiveness and reducing environmental impact,” Campinos says.
Regions with strong industrial ecosystems, supportive policy frameworks and access to recycling feedstock will be better positioned to develop circular battery economies, he adds.
International Energy Agency Executive Director Fatih Birol says accelerating innovation in battery recycling and reuse could help reduce pressure on critical mineral supply chains while supporting more sustainable battery deployment.
The report states that policy support and targeted innovation will play an important role in strengthening battery supply chain resilience as global deployment of EVs and battery energy storage systems continues to accelerate.
