Innehåll:
As the electrification of the transport and energy sectors accelerates, the number of lithium-ion batteries grows significantly. A used lithium-ion battery may often be perceived as problematic from an environmental viewpoint, but with second-life applications, the environmental load of lithium-ion batteries can be lowered, and the techno-economic benefits from the batteries, which is evaluated and developed in this project. The second-life application of batteries can offer significant business potential in the Ostrobothnia region, which is why this project strives to map and develop the best business models for the region together with local companies. In the project, benchmarking analysis is performed by comparing different operating models that are used elsewhere in Finland and abroad. The project aims to support and activate local companies in the circular economy of batteries and second-life applications. The target area is the Ostrobothnia region. The project aims to advance the reuse of lithium-ion batteries in the region and obtain related know-how for the local institutions of higher education. In the project, the testing and reuse of batteries are examined using the existing battery testing equipment found at Vebic. Vebic (Vaasa Energy Business Innovation Centre), is one of the University of Vaasa’s three research platforms, and it aims to meet the global R&D needs of energy production, energy business and sustainable social development. There are safety risks associated with battery reuse, which is why a general review of the safety of reused batteries is carried out in the project, using the same equipment. The long-term goals of the project are to strive to support the export possibilities of technology and operating models related to battery second-life applications, and that the battery second-life business grows organically in Ostrobothnia.
At the end of the project, the present situation, and the potential for second-life batteries in the region have been mapped and developed. Potential commercial and technology-related players have also been mapped. Cost analyses and profitability calculations have been made on second-life battery applications, on the basis of which a business model proposal has been created. In the project, a preliminary roadmap for second-life battery business in the region is drawn up. A business cooperation network has been formed in the region. Work instructions have been drawn up for the safe handling and conversion of batteries to a new use, which can be used by, for example, local companies. The information and know-how gathered in the project have been distributed in e.g., reports and seminars. Local companies and institutions of higher education will make use of the project results after the end of the project.
Projektperiod: 1.1 -30.6 2023
Samarbetspartners: VAMK (huvudgenomförare), ÅA, NOVIA, VU
Projektdeltagare (ÅA): Sami Lieskoski, Jessica Tuuf, Margareta Björklund-Sänkiaho
Finansiärer: Europeiska strukturfonden (ERUF) via Österbottens förbund
