NavPrakriti Green Energies Pvt. Ltd.: Leading the Charge in India's Battery Recycling Revolution
NavPrakriti Green Energies Pvt. Ltd. is embarking on a mission to collaborate with over 150 battery manufacturers and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) in the next three years. The company, headquartered in Kolkata, is striving to become a key player in India's evolving battery recycling sector. With the establishment of Eastern India's first large-scale lithium-ion battery recycling facility, NavPrakriti aims to create a comprehensive collection and processing network to handle end-of-life batteries across various industries. This initiative comes at a crucial time when India is grappling with increasing e-waste volumes and a surge in battery demand.
The demand for lithium-ion batteries in India is projected to skyrocket from 4 GWh in 2023 to nearly 139 GWh by 2035, driven by the rapid adoption of electric vehicles and the expansion of renewable energy storage systems. To achieve the country's Net Zero 2070 goal, these developments are essential. However, the rise in battery waste poses a significant environmental challenge. In 2022, lithium-ion batteries contributed to approximately 700,000 tonnes of India's total e-waste of 1.6 million metric tons. Despite being the world's third-largest e-waste generator, India only recycled about 40 percent of this waste last year, highlighting the need for improved collection and processing capabilities.
To tackle these issues, the government introduced the Battery Waste Management Rules, 2022, which emphasize Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) in handling battery waste. Manufacturers are mandated to finance and ensure the collection and recycling of spent batteries through certified recyclers under this framework. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has also launched a digital EPR portal to monitor battery lifecycles, connect producers with registered recyclers, and offer financial incentives through EPR credits. Minimum floor pricing within the system aims to compensate recyclers for their investments and operational expenses.
NavPrakriti's Founder, Akhilesh Bagaria, envisions setting a new standard for responsible battery recycling in India, aligning with the government's vision of a circular and self-reliant economy. Through strategic partnerships, the company aims to assist manufacturers in meeting compliance requirements and ensure safe, transparent, and scalable handling of battery waste. The current recycling facility operated by NavPrakriti can process up to 1,000 tonnes of used batteries per month, with the potential to double capacity as demand grows. The plant currently focuses on recovering aluminium and copper while producing intermediary materials rich in nickel, cobalt, manganese, and lithium.
Looking ahead, NavPrakriti is expanding its capabilities to include hydrometallurgical refining and battery-grade chemical recovery. The company is also exploring opportunities in battery refurbishment and second-life applications for residential and industrial energy storage systems. By aligning its strategy with the National Critical Mineral Mission, NavPrakriti aims to enhance resource security and domestic value creation by treating battery recycling as a means of resource regeneration. Anticipating stricter hazardous waste regulations in 2026, the company has invested in advanced tracking, compliance, and reporting systems to stay ahead of regulatory requirements.
In line with its commitment to sustainability and EPR-driven practices, NavPrakriti is actively seeking strategic partnerships with over 150 stakeholders. By doing so, the company aims to establish a benchmark for sustainable practices, support India's growing battery demand, and promote responsible waste management in the country.