6th General Assembly meeting

RESPECT Consortium partners

On 25 March 2025, project partners met for the 6th General Assembly meeting at the Fraunhofer Institute for Silicate Research ISC in Würzburg, Germany. The event also provided a special opportunity for partners to engage with cutting-edge research and technology through a visit to the Fraunhofer R&D Center for Electromobility (FZEB).

During the meeting, the project's progress, challenges, and future steps were discussed, along with updates on key developments. The project is advancing well and remains on track for completion in July 2026, giving partners approximately 17 months to finalise the remaining tasks. Continued effort and focus are essential to ensure the project stays on schedule. Despite some hurdles, the project's trajectory remains positive, with key milestones being successfully met.

A key highlight of the meeting was a positive update regarding materials delivery. Technical coordinator Antoine Driancourt (CEA) praised the significant progress, noting that, for the first time, partners have received the necessary materials to carry out their tasks — a clear indication of the project's smooth progress.

The team also discussed challenges related to the direct recycling of materials, specifically focusing on scrap and end-of-life materials. This remains a critical issue, and the project team is closely monitoring its progress. It was noted that by the end of the project, significant findings may emerge regarding the feasibility of integrating recycled materials into battery production, particularly in Europe.

Site visit Fraunhofer R&D Center for Electromobility (FZEB)

Laboratories at the Fraunhofer R&D Center for Electromobility at the Fraunhofer ISC

The 6th General Assembly concluded with a site visit to the Fraunhofer R&D Center for Electromobility (FZEB), one of Germany's largest battery research groups. With an interdisciplinary team of over 35 battery experts, FZEB plays a pivotal role in advancing battery technology.

During the lab tour, participants explored various state-of-the-art facilities, including those for manufacturing battery electrodes, assembling lithium and sodium-ion batteries, and producing polymer-based solid-state batteries. A key part of the visit focused on direct battery recycling, where participants observed cutting-edge technologies in action.

In addition to facilities for the electrochemical evaluation of small laboratory cells and automotive or stationary energy storage cells, attendees were introduced to the role of robotic systems in accelerating the development of new battery materials and automating the battery recycling process. These insights are crucial for advancing the project's objectives and understanding the technological landscape of battery development and recycling.

Looking ahead, the consortium partners are focused on finalising the 2nd Periodic Report, preparing for the mid-May review meeting with the Project Officer, and staying on track for completion in July 2026. The ongoing efforts in recycling, material delivery, and technical advancements position the project for continued success.