News Summary
Princeton NuEnergy Inc. has opened the U.S.’s first commercial-scale Advanced Black Mass recycling facility in Chester, South Carolina. This innovative facility is designed to recycle lithium-ion batteries and produce high-purity materials for electric vehicle production. With a processing capacity of 5,000 tons annually and a remarkable recovery yield over 97%, this step significantly advances U.S. battery material recovery. The facility supports energy security and paves the way for sustainable energy solutions, with plans for future expansion and a commitment to environmental standards.
Chester, South Carolina: U.S. Achieves Milestone in Battery Recycling
Princeton NuEnergy Inc. (PNE), a leader in lithium-ion battery direct recycling and manufacturing, has launched the U.S.’s first commercial-scale Advanced Black Mass (ABM) recycling facility in Chester, South Carolina. This landmark facility is now fully operational and marks a significant step in domestic battery materials recovery, aligning with national energy security goals.
PNE’s ABM recycling production site is the first in the country capable of producing both Advanced Black Mass and battery-grade cathode active materials, specifically nickel-cobalt-manganese (NCM) and lithium iron phosphate (LFP) chemistries. The facility has an annual processing capacity of 5,000 tons, utilizing a proprietary recycling process to generate high-purity ABM from manufacturing scrap.
Impressively, the Chester facility boasts a recovery yield surpassing 97%, exceeding typical industry performance. This high efficiency ensures that valuable feedstock for battery production can be consistently harvested, contributing significantly to the U.S. electric vehicle market and renewable energy initiatives.
Growth Plans and Collaborations
Looking ahead, PNE plans to expand the facility’s capacity to 15,000 tons per annum by 2026, with possibilities to scale up to 50,000 tons based on market demand. The company is also working in partnership with a co-located facility in McKinney, Texas, to advance direct recycling technologies, further enhancing its recycling capabilities.
To support its initiatives and expand its footprint, PNE has established a national network focused on closed-loop battery material recovery and production, reinforcing the United States’ commitment to sustainable energy solutions.
Commitment to Environmental Standards
PNE’s Chester facility complies with all federal and state environmental regulations and operates under strict Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) designed to ensure safety, traceability, and material quality. This commitment to maintaining high operational standards ensures that the facility can safely contribute to the recycling ecosystem without compromising environmental integrity.
Financial Backing and Support
The operation of the Chester facility is backed by $55 million in grants and strategic funding from various investors, including Honda, LKQ Corp., Samsung, Shell Ventures, and Wistron Corporation. Additionally, PNE received a $12 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy in 2022, further bolstering its efforts in battery recycling and manufacturing.
Technological Advancements
PNE’s dedication to innovation is also highlighted by the establishment of a Materials Testing Center in Princeton, New Jersey, which is the largest of its kind in the northeastern U.S. This center will provide third-party validation and application testing for downstream processes, ensuring that newly produced materials meet industry standards and customer expectations.
Broader Implications for Energy Security
The inauguration of PNE’s Chester facility is a crucial development for the U.S. battery recycling market. It not only paves the way for increased domestic production of critical battery minerals but also aligns with national policies aimed at enhancing energy independence and supply chain security. By promoting battery recycling and manufacturing within U.S. borders, PNE is positioning itself as a key player in the transition to sustainable energy solutions.
As the demand for electric vehicles and renewable energy continues to rise, PNE’s operations in Chester are set to play an essential role in meeting these challenges while protecting the environment and fostering economic growth within the United States.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- Batteries News: U.S. Battery Circular Economy Advances
- Wikipedia: Battery Recycling
- Electrive: Advanced Battery Recycling Facility Opens
- Google Search: Battery Recycling
- Recycling Today: Princeton NuEnergy Recycling Facility
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Battery
- Waste Dive: Battery Recycling News
- Google News: Battery Recycling Facility
Author: STAFF HERE FLORENCE WRITER
FLORENCE STAFF WRITER The FLORENCE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREFlorence.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Florence, Florence County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Florence Festival of Lights, Pee Dee Pride, and agricultural expos at the Florence Center. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Florence Regional Chamber of Commerce and the Pee Dee Area Council of Governments, plus leading businesses in healthcare and retail that power the local economy such as McLeod Health and Pee Dee Electric Cooperative. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECharleston.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGreenville.com, and HEREHiltonHead.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
