Press Release, 14 November 2025
India is positioned to unlock a massive ₹75,500 crore economic opportunity by building a strong circular battery ecosystem that prioritizes reuse, repurposing, and recycling. A new report titled “Charting a Circular Battery Future for India” highlights how this shift could transform the nation’s battery sector, strengthen manufacturing competitiveness, and reduce dependence on imported critical minerals—directly supporting India’s National Critical Minerals Mission and long-term energy independence goals.
With India’s battery demand expected to grow more than 40 times by 2050, the rise of electric vehicles will play a defining role, accounting for nearly 80% of lithium-ion consumption by 2035. Without circular processes in place, the rapid adoption of batteries could intensify mineral imports and generate vast volumes of waste. However, the report outlines that a well-built circular battery economy could flip this challenge into a strategic advantage by recovering high-value materials currently lost as scrap.
By establishing domestic systems for reuse, repurposing, and advanced recycling, India could address more than 40% of its demand for critical minerals such as lithium, nickel, and cobalt by 2050. Such an approach could also generate over 100,000 green jobs, strengthen supply chain resilience, reduce environmental pollution, and promote equitable access to cleaner technologies. The report emphasizes that India’s vibrant start-up ecosystem gives it a unique edge to lead globally in low-cost, fair-trade, circular battery solutions as demand surges worldwide.
Leaders behind the initiative stress the strategic importance of circularity. Akshima Ghate, Managing Director of the RMI India Program, notes that circularity is “a strategic lever for resource security and industrial leadership,” unlocking domestic value while powering job creation. Dr. Ram Madhav, President of India Foundation, adds that transforming battery waste into a valuable resource can reinforce self-reliance and position India as a global benchmark for sustainable battery practices.
The report provides a roadmap to accelerate innovation, attract investment, and scale circular battery systems—turning used batteries and e-waste into an engine for national growth and energy security.
