# Introduction The global demand for batteries is projected to increase fourteenfold [by 2030](#user-content-fn-1)[^1], with the European Union expected to [account for 17% of this demand](#user-content-fn-2)[^2]. This is primarily fueled by the rise of electric mobility. In addition to climate change impacts, [the production of batteries relies on critical raw materials (CRM)](#user-content-fn-3)[^3] such as [lithium, cobalt, antimony, rare earth elements, and natural graphite](#user-content-fn-4)[^4]. Most environmental impacts of batteries stem from two main stages: (a) the mining and processing of CRM and (b) their disposal at the end of life. Mining for CRMs raises significant environmental and human rights concerns, particularly as [82% of mining areas target materials for renewable energy](#user-content-fn-5)[^5], often in protected regions with high mine density. Additionally, improper battery disposal can contaminate soil and water, negatively impacting human health. In 2021, the EU's end-of-life battery collection rate was [potentially below 50%](#user-content-fn-6)[^6] for some types of [less-regulated batteries](#user-content-fn-7)[^7]. Therefore, a major lever to reduce GHG emissions in this sector is to increase the lifetime of batteries, so that fewer batteries are produced. One method for increasing the battery's lifetime is the [preparation for reuse](#user-content-fn-8)[^8] or repurpose[^9] through **regeneration and refurbishing**, giving it a second life. Battery second life involves restoring previously owned and used batteries to a functional state for continued use, thereby delaying their entry into waste streams. This process includes thorough testing, cleaning, repairs, and, when necessary, replacing components to ensure optimal performance. **Extending the lifespan of batteries reduces the production of new batteries and reduces hazardous waste.** Refurbishment and regeneration of batteries face barriers from high costs of repair, market fragmentation, and lack of consumer trust and acceptance. [^1]: Specifically lithium-ion batteries [^2]: M. Bielewski, A. Pfrang, S. Bobba, A. Kronberga, A. Georgakaki, S. Letout, A. Kuokkanen, A. Mountraki, E. Ince, D. Shtjefni, G. Joanny, O. Eulaerts, M. Grabowska, Clean Energy Technology Observatory: Batteries for energy storage in the European Union - 2022 Status Report on Technology Development, Trends, Value Chains and Markets, Publications Office of the European Union, Luxembourg, 2022, doi:10.2760/808352, JRC130724. [^3]: European Commissions (2023). European Critical Raw Materials Act - European Commission.‌ [^4]: European Commission (2023). Batteries and mining | Knowledge for policy. \[online] Available at: \[Accessed 18 Jan. 2024]. [^5]: Eurostat (2023). Waste statistics - recycling of batteries and accumulators - Statistics Explained. Available at: [^6]: Abdelbaky, M., Peeters, J.R., Duflou, J.R. and Dewulf, W. (2020). Forecasting the EU recycling potential for batteries from electric vehicles. Procedia CIRP, 90, pp.432–436. doi:. [^7]: For portable batteries and batteries in light means of transport (LMT) for instance. Of those two, only LMT batteries are in the scope. [^8]: Inspecting, testing, and preparing battery units, auxiliary components and packs to be reused in their original function without significant alterations. [^9]: Inspecting, testing, and preparing battery units, auxiliary components and packs to be repurposed and used for a different function (e.g. an EV battery repurposed to an ESS). --- # Agent Instructions: Querying This Documentation If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question. Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter: ``` GET https://docs.rainbowstandard.io/methodologies/battery-second-life/introduction.md?ask= ``` The question should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language. The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation. Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.