Deadline: 15-Sep-2026
The European Commission has launched a Horizon Europe funding opportunity to strengthen EU–India collaboration on electric vehicle battery recycling technologies and sustainable battery management systems. The programme supports innovative recycling technologies, pilot recycling infrastructure, digital waste collection systems, and advanced material recovery solutions with an overall budget of approximately €9.4 million.
Program Overview
This Horizon Europe initiative aims to strengthen cooperation between the European Union and India in developing sustainable battery recycling solutions for electric vehicles. The programme supports the development of advanced technologies that improve recycling efficiency, reduce environmental impacts, and enhance the circular economy within battery value chains.
The initiative places strong emphasis on establishing a jointly operated recycling pilot line in India while encouraging collaboration between researchers, industries, and institutions from both regions. The programme also supports solutions that align with India’s Battery Waste Management Rules 2022 and the National Programme on Advanced Chemistry Cell Battery Storage.
Focus Areas and Program Objectives
The programme addresses several priorities related to battery sustainability and recycling technologies.
Key focus areas include:
• Sustainability of electric vehicle batteries
• Battery safety improvements
• Affordability and cost efficiency
• Lithium-ion battery recycling efficiency
• Recovery of lithium and graphite materials
• Innovative waste collection systems
• Digitalised battery collection systems
• Advanced battery sorting technologies
• Safe battery discharging technologies
• Battery deactivation technologies
• Environmental impact assessment through Life Cycle Analysis
• Battery Passport implementation
• Safe and Sustainable by Design approaches
• EU–India research and industry collaboration
• Alignment with battery waste regulations
Expected Project Outcomes
Projects funded under this initiative are expected to generate several outcomes.
Expected outcomes include:
• Development of advanced battery recycling solutions
• Increased recovery of battery materials
• Reduced dependency on raw material extraction
• Improved sustainability across battery value chains
• Stronger EU–India research collaboration
• Improved battery waste management systems
• Enhanced recycling safety and operational efficiency
• Better environmental performance through circular economy approaches
Pilot Recycling Infrastructure Requirements
Projects are expected to establish a jointly operated pilot recycling line in India.
Pilot infrastructure requirements include:
• Demonstration of advanced recycling processes
• Processing of black mass from mixed battery chemistries
• Recovery of lithium suitable for Cathode Active Material production
• Recovery of graphite materials
• Recovery of silicon/graphite materials
• Compatibility with current battery technologies
• Compatibility with future battery technologies
Logistics and Waste Collection Activities
The initiative also supports improved waste management systems.
Proposals should include:
• Digital collection systems
• Safe battery storage systems
• Advanced battery sorting technologies
• Safe discharging systems
• Deactivation solutions for damaged batteries
• Solutions for manufacturing scrap management
• Supply chain efficiency improvements
Special attention is also given to participation from informal stakeholders.
Relevant stakeholders may include:
• End users
• Collection points
• Sales channels
• Waste management actors
• Industry participants
Environmental Sustainability Requirements
Environmental sustainability remains a major component of the programme.
Applicants are expected to:
• Conduct Life Cycle Analysis assessments
• Evaluate environmental impacts of proposed technologies
• Support circular economy principles
• Align with Safe and Sustainable by Design approaches
• Contribute to EU battery sustainability goals
EU–India Collaboration Requirements
The programme requires genuine bilateral collaboration between participating partners.
Collaborative requirements include:
• Aligned project start dates
• Similar project durations
• Shared research targets
• Coordinated research activities
• Defined task distribution
• Joint implementation mechanisms
• Clear scientific value from collaboration
Projects that are not properly aligned with corresponding partner projects may become ineligible.
Funding Information
Funding details include:
• Programme: Horizon Europe Innovation Actions
• Total programme budget: Approximately €9.4 million
• Application process: Single-stage submission
Additional funding support for Indian partners is provided through the Ministry of Heavy Industries, Government of India.
Balanced contributions and matched resources between Indian and European partners are encouraged.
Key Concepts Explained
Black mass refers to a powder-like material generated during battery recycling that contains valuable metals and materials such as lithium, graphite, cobalt, nickel, and manganese.
Battery Passport refers to a digital record containing information about battery composition, lifecycle performance, sustainability, and traceability.
Life Cycle Analysis is a methodology used to evaluate environmental impacts associated with a product throughout its entire lifecycle.
Safe and Sustainable by Design approaches refer to designing technologies that incorporate safety and sustainability considerations from the earliest stages of development.
Who is Eligible?
Participation is open to a broad range of organizations under Horizon Europe rules.
Eligible applicants include:
• Legal entities from eligible countries
• International organizations
• Organizations from non-associated third countries
• Research institutions
• Universities
• Industries and private sector organizations
• Affiliated entities
• Associated partners
• Certain entities without legal personality under applicable conditions
Applicants must:
• Meet Horizon Europe participation requirements
• Meet topic-specific conditions
• Register in the Horizon Europe Participant Register
• Obtain a Participant Identification Code (PIC)
Why This Opportunity Matters
Battery demand is increasing rapidly because of electric vehicle adoption and energy storage needs. Sustainable recycling systems can reduce pressure on raw material extraction while strengthening supply chains and supporting environmental goals.
Potential impacts include:
• Reduced dependency on imported raw materials
• Stronger circular economy systems
• Increased recycling efficiency
• Enhanced technological innovation
• Improved environmental sustainability
• Stronger international research partnerships
Tips for Applicants
Applicants can strengthen their proposals through careful planning.
Helpful tips include:
• Build strong EU–India partnerships early
• Clearly define coordination mechanisms
• Explain task distribution in detail
• Demonstrate technological innovation
• Include measurable sustainability outcomes
• Present robust environmental assessment methods
• Ensure budget balance among partners
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Common proposal issues include:
• Weak bilateral collaboration structures
• Unclear research responsibilities
• Poor coordination mechanisms
• Limited sustainability assessment methods
• Weak implementation strategies
• Lack of alignment between partner projects
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the main objective of this programme?
The programme aims to strengthen EU–India cooperation in developing advanced electric vehicle battery recycling technologies and systems.
How much funding is available?
The total programme budget is approximately €9.4 million.
Who funds the Indian side of projects?
The Ministry of Heavy Industries, Government of India, provides funding support for Indian partners.
What materials must be recovered through the pilot system?
Projects should address recovery of lithium, graphite, and silicon/graphite materials.
Is environmental assessment required?
Yes. Projects must conduct Life Cycle Analysis assessments.
Are individual projects allowed without coordinated partners?
No. Independent projects that are not aligned with corresponding partner projects may be considered ineligible.
What registration is required before grant preparation?
Organizations must obtain a Participant Identification Code (PIC) through the Horizon Europe Participant Register.
Conclusion
The EU–India electric vehicle battery recycling initiative seeks to strengthen international collaboration and support advanced recycling technologies that improve sustainability, material recovery, and circular economy development. By combining technological innovation with coordinated research efforts, the programme aims to strengthen resilient and future-ready battery ecosystems.
For more information, visit European Commission.