Brief description of the organization
Massif Energy is a renewable energy development company focused on utility-scale energy solutions and circular economy initiatives. We specialize in solar, energy storage, and sustainable infrastructure projects that drive the transition to clean energy. As part of our commitment to innovation and sustainability, we are exploring opportunities in lithium-ion battery recycling to support Alberta’s growing need for responsible energy solutions and critical mineral recovery.
Problem area
The growing adoption of electric vehicles (EVs), battery energy storage systems (BESS), and consumer electronics in Alberta are leading to an increasing volume of end-of-life lithium-ion batteries from various sources, including phones, laptops, e-bikes, e-scooters, and power tools. Currently, Canada has limited domestic recycling capacity, resulting in many batteries being exported or improperly disposed of, creating environmental and economic challenges.
Students will explore the technical and economic feasibility of establishing a lithium-ion battery recycling facility in Alberta, addressing key questions such as:
- What are the most effective recycling technologies for lithium-ion batteries from both large-scale (EVs, BESS) and small-scale (consumer electronics, power tools) sources?
- What is the expected volume and composition of end-of-life lithium-ion batteries in Alberta, and what are the supply chain constraints?
- What are the capital and operating costs of setting up a commercial-scale recycling facility?
- How can a facility align with existing regulations, environmental policies, and market demand?
By analyzing these factors, the project will provide insights into how Alberta can develop a sustainable battery recycling industry that supports both large-scale and consumer battery waste, contributing to a circular economy and critical mineral recovery efforts.
Main objectives
- Assess recycling technologies – Evaluate the most effective lithium-ion battery recycling processes (e.g., hydrometallurgical, pyrometallurgical, direct recycling) for handling both large-scale (EVs, BESS) and small-scale (consumer electronics, e-bikes, power tools, etc.) batteries.
- Explore whether producing black mass (a mixture of valuable metals) for export or processing the black mass to recover individual metals (e.g., lithium, cobalt, nickel) for use in new batteries or other industries is the most viable approach.
- Market & supply chain analysis – Identify the volume, composition, and availability of end-of-life lithium-ion batteries in Alberta, including collection challenges and potential supply chain partners. Evaluate market demand for black mass and processed materials, both locally and internationally.
- Economic feasibility study – Develop a preliminary business model by estimating capital expenditures (CAPEX), operating costs (OPEX), potential revenue streams, and return on investment (ROI) for both options:
- Option 1: Creating black mass and exporting it for further processing.
- Option 2: Recycling the batteries locally and processing the black mass into individual metals for reintegration into the supply chain.
- Regulatory & environmental compliance – Analyze Alberta’s waste management laws, environmental impact considerations, and permitting requirements for battery recycling operations. Compare the regulatory implications of exporting black mass versus local processing.
- Infrastructure & site selection – Identify potential locations for a recycling facility, considering logistics, proximity to battery waste sources, and existing industrial infrastructure.
- Circular economy integration – Explore how recovered materials can be reintegrated into Alberta’s circular economy.
- Final recommendations & roadmap – Provide a detailed report and presentation outlining findings, challenges, and recommendations on which recycling approach is most viable.
Scope of work
- Literature review & technology assessment
- Conduct a comprehensive literature review of current lithium-ion battery recycling technologies.
- Evaluate various processes (hydrometallurgical, pyrometallurgical, direct recycling).
- Market & supply chain analysis
- Identify end-of-life battery sources.
- Analyze markets for black mass and recovered metals.
- Map out collection, transport, and potential buyers.
- Economic feasibility analysis
- Estimate CAPEX and OPEX.
- Calculate revenue streams.
- Conduct cost-benefit analysis.
- Regulatory & environmental scan
- Assess Alberta’s regulations and compliance requirements.
- Compare export vs. local processing regulatory implications.
- Site selection & infrastructure planning
- Identify potential facility locations.
- Assess energy, logistics, equipment, and labour needs.
- Circular economy integration & sustainability assessment
- Evaluate recovered metals’ reintegration pathways.
- Assess environmental impact and sustainability.
- Final report & recommendations
- Summarize feasibility, compare approaches, and present findings.
Deliverables
- Final feasibility study report
- Business model and financial projections
- Circular economy & sustainability report
- Presentation deck for stakeholders
- Survey tools or stakeholder feedback reports
- Recommendations for next steps
Team Meeting Frequency
Weekly
Skills and Training Required
- Research & analytical skills
- Technical expertise in battery recycling
- Financial & economic analysis skills
- Regulatory & environmental knowledge
- Project management & coordination skills
- Communication & presentation skills
- Sustainability & circular economy knowledge
- Regulatory ethics & research ethics training
- Engineering & manufacturing knowledge
Resources required
- Computing resources & software
- Research & collaboration resources
- Industry contacts & partnerships
- Internal expertise & guidance
NDA or a commercialization agreement for this project?
Yes