The workshop brought together project partners and external experts to review progress across key areas including battery disassembly, material recovery and sustainability assessment, as the project moves towards commercialisation.

Advancing EV battery recycling technologies in Europe

The BATRAW project has focused on developing and validating new approaches to end-of-life electric vehicle battery management, with two pilot programmes targeting disassembly and material recovery.

One pilot demonstrated improvements in semi-automated battery disassembly, aimed at increasing safety and efficiency when handling end-of-life EV batteries. A second pilot focused on hydrometallurgical recycling processes, improving the recovery of critical raw materials.

Project partners also presented results on the environmental and social performance of these processes, using lifecycle assessment methodologies to evaluate sustainability impacts.

Additional findings highlighted the technical feasibility of producing high-quality recycled materials, including cathode materials such as LNMO and NMC811, as well as recycled graphite for battery anodes.

From pilot validation to industrial scale-up

As the project concludes, the consortium is shifting focus towards industrial validation and scaling up its most promising technologies.

Partners are now working to establish commercial pathways, including collaboration with industry stakeholders and alignment with regulatory frameworks across Europe.

The project aims to support the development of a more resilient battery supply chain by reducing dependence on virgin raw materials and improving recycling efficiency.

Industry context: circular economy and battery material security

The rapid growth of electric vehicles is increasing demand for critical raw materials such as lithium, nickel and cobalt. Recycling is expected to play a key role in securing these materials while reducing environmental impacts.

Innovations in disassembly, material recovery and second-life applications are becoming increasingly important as Europe seeks to build a circular battery economy.

Within this context, EV battery recycling technologies in Europe are evolving to improve recovery rates, reduce costs and support long-term sustainability goals.

For more coverage, visit our Manufacturing & Recycling section.

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The event, themed “Play for Humanity – Sport and Music for All”, is expected to bring together participants from more than 120 countries, with sustainability positioned as a core component of both its design and long-term legacy.

Sustainability at Expo 2027 Belgrade through infrastructure and design

Organisers have outlined plans to integrate environmental features into the Expo site, including systems designed to manage water and reduce heat impact. The Expo complex is expected to function as a natural filtration system, directing a significant proportion of rainwater into underground aquifers.

Green roofing systems using local plant species are also planned, with the aim of reducing solar heat gain across buildings while limiting the need for additional irrigation.

Beyond the event itself, modular structures used during Expo 2027 are expected to be dismantled and repurposed into public infrastructure, including schools, kindergartens and sports facilities across Serbia.

Emerging transport technologies to be showcased

Plans for the event also include the introduction of electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) air taxis, following a partnership announced between Serbia and Archer Aviation.

The technology is intended to demonstrate potential future approaches to urban mobility, including reducing congestion and supporting lower-emission transport options in cities.

If implemented as planned, Expo 2027 could provide one of the first opportunities in Europe for large-scale public exposure to this type of transport system.

Technology and investment focus with GITEX partnership

Expo 2027 will also host a regional edition of GITEX Global, a major technology and startup event. The initiative is expected to bring together investors, technology companies and policymakers, with a focus on sectors including artificial intelligence, digital infrastructure and clean energy.

The event is positioned as part of a broader effort to strengthen Serbia’s role in attracting foreign direct investment and supporting innovation-led economic growth.

Industry context: sustainability and legacy in global expos

Large-scale international expos have increasingly focused on sustainability and long-term urban impact. Recent events have prioritised legacy planning, ensuring that infrastructure developed for short-term use contributes to long-term economic and environmental goals.

In this context, sustainability at Expo 2027 Belgrade reflects a wider shift towards integrating environmental considerations into major global events, including resource efficiency, circular construction and low-emission transport systems.

For more coverage, visit our Technology & Innovation section.

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The system consists of two 40 kW air-heating units, each serving separate production areas within a shared industrial site operated by BURO GmbH and Südmetall Schließsysteme GmbH.

This marks a scale-up from HYTING’s first installation and introduces the company’s 50 kW heat generator platform in a commercial setting.

Hydrogen heating systems for industrial buildings in hybrid configuration

The installation operates as a hybrid system alongside a heat pump. The heat pump provides the base heating load, while HYTING’s hydrogen-powered units are used during peak demand or low ambient temperatures.

This approach reduces reliance on grid electricity during peak periods and allows the heat pump to operate more efficiently. According to the companies involved, the system has reduced grid connection capacity requirements and demand charges by approximately 70%.

The hybrid configuration also enables smaller heat pump sizing, lowering both capital expenditure and operational costs while maintaining consistent heating performance.

HYTING said customers can achieve a return on investment in approximately three years under this model.

On-site hydrogen production planned

In the initial phase, hydrogen is supplied externally. However, BURO’s subsidiary, H2 Green Planet GmbH, plans to install an on-site electrolyser later this year to produce green hydrogen.

If implemented, the site would become one of the first commercial facilities to both generate and consume hydrogen for heating on-site, with a target production cost of €4–6 per kilogram.

Tim Hannig, founder and chief executive of HYTING, said the installation demonstrates how modular hydrogen heating systems can scale for industrial applications.

Jürgen Burger, chief executive of BURO, said the system allows peak heating demand to be met without increasing electricity load or emissions, while supporting the company’s broader decarbonisation strategy.

Technology validation and certification

HYTING’s 50 kW heat generator platform has received Gas Appliance Regulation (GAR) certification, following testing by Kiwa, an accredited certification body.

The company also reported completing 2,500 hours of durability testing, simulating approximately 10 years of operation, with no failures or degradation of safety-critical components.

The system is based on a catalytic process in which hydrogen reacts with oxygen to generate heat without combustion. According to HYTING, this results in no CO₂, NOx or particulate emissions, with water vapour as the only by-product.

Industry context: hydrogen’s role in industrial heat decarbonisation

Decarbonising heat in commercial and industrial buildings remains a major challenge. Buildings account for a significant share of energy consumption and emissions, with heating representing a substantial proportion of this demand.

While electrification through heat pumps is a key pathway, hydrogen is increasingly being explored as a complementary solution, particularly for high-temperature or peak-load applications where electrification alone may be less efficient or require costly grid upgrades.

As hydrogen production scales and costs decline, hydrogen heating systems for industrial buildings are expected to play a growing role in reducing emissions across manufacturing and commercial sectors.

For more coverage, visit our Energy section.

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The funding round includes participation from W. L. Gore & Associates, InnoEnergy, Impact NY, Helios Climate Ventures, SIA/NOM and other investors. The capital will support initial production lines and help move the company towards early commercial production.

According to the company, two industrial-scale roll-to-roll lines are due to begin initial production this year in Germany and New York State, supporting qualification work across defence, medical technology, consumer electronics and e-mobility applications.

Scaling silicon anode production for lithium-ion batteries

The expansion marks a significant step for silicon anode production for lithium-ion batteries as manufacturers look for higher energy density, faster charging and more resilient supply chains.

GDI said its technology is designed to work with existing lithium-ion cell production infrastructure, which could reduce the time needed for manufacturers to integrate the material into current battery architectures.

The company said third-party lithium-ion cells have achieved 350Wh/kg and 1000Wh/L at a partner defence cell production facility, while also operating at temperatures as low as -40°C without the need for external compression.

Ed Rubin, leader of W. L. Gore & Associates’ venture funds, said: “GDI has developed a differentiated silicon anode platform that pairs breakthrough performance with a capital efficient path to industrial scale.”

Rob Anstey, co-founder and chief executive of GDI, said the latest funding round signalled investor backing for the company’s protected intellectual property, manufacturing pathway and performance claims.

Reducing reliance on graphite in battery supply chains

GDI is focused on replacing graphite in battery anodes, a material that remains widely used across the lithium-ion sector but is increasingly viewed as a supply chain risk.

The company uses Plasma Enhanced Chemical Vapor Deposition (PECVD) in place of conventional mixing, wet coating, drying and calendering steps. GDI said this enables a more streamlined process while drawing on manufacturing techniques already used at scale in sectors such as glass, automotive and energy.

Through its partnership with AGC, GDI is targeting gigawatt-hour scale production by 2031 using North American and European supply chains.

The company said battery cells using its silicon anodes could deliver charging speeds more than three times faster than existing alternatives, along with energy density gains of more than 30% and improved low-temperature performance below -30°C.

Why silicon anodes are drawing industry attention

Silicon anodes are widely seen as a potential next step in lithium-ion battery development because silicon can store more lithium than graphite. However, commercial adoption has been slowed by technical challenges linked to expansion, durability and manufacturability.

As battery makers seek higher performance and more geographically diverse material supply, silicon anode production for lithium-ion batteries is attracting increased investor and industry attention. Technologies that can be integrated into existing production systems may have an advantage as manufacturers try to scale more quickly.

For more climate technology coverage, visit our Technology & Innovation section.

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The study found that combining rooftop solar panels with strategically placed phase change materials (PCMs) in building roofs could cut carbon emissions by between 41% and 54%, while reducing electricity costs to around $0.15 per kilowatt-hour.

The findings highlight a potential low-cost pathway to improve energy access and reduce reliance on diesel generators in remote and rural regions.

Solar shading and thermal materials improve building efficiency

The research examined how solar shading and thermal materials interact to influence energy performance in standalone off-grid buildings in warm climates.

PCMs absorb and release heat as they melt and solidify, helping to regulate indoor temperatures and reduce cooling demand. The study found that placing thin layers of PCM on both sides of roof insulation, combined with shading from rooftop solar panels, delivered the most effective results.

This configuration achieved annual energy savings of 8.75% and significantly reduced emissions compared to conventional roof designs.

Professor Mahmoud Shafiee, Professor in Energy Resilience at the University of Surrey, said: “This study shows that simple, low-cost roof modifications – combined with the natural shading from solar panels – can halve carbon emissions and bring energy costs down to affordable levels.”

Material placement more important than volume

A key finding of the study is that the positioning of PCMs has a greater impact than the quantity used.

In some configurations, placing PCM only on the outer side of the roof increased energy demand, as the material absorbed heat during the day and released it at less useful times.

This suggests that optimised design strategies can deliver better performance with less material, improving cost-effectiveness for deployment in low-resource settings.

Implications for off-grid energy systems

The study modelled building performance using industry-standard simulation tools and integrated energy system planning software to optimise the balance between solar generation, battery storage and backup generation.

Rooftop solar shading accounted for approximately 55% of the total energy improvement, while PCM contributed the remaining 45%, highlighting the importance of combining technologies rather than relying on a single solution.

For more on decentralised energy systems, see our coverage of energy transition technologies.

As many off-grid communities continue to depend on diesel generation, the findings suggest that relatively simple design changes could play a key role in reducing emissions, lowering costs and improving energy resilience.

The full study is available via Renewable Energy journal.

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Solar installation enquiries have increased by 27% since the escalation of conflict in the Middle East, according to figures from Octopus Energy, as rising gas prices continue to drive energy costs higher.

Gas prices have surged by more than 60% since late February, reinforcing concerns about the UK’s exposure to international fossil fuel markets and prompting homeowners to explore alternatives.

Record growth in solar adoption

Industry data from the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) indicates that 2025 marked a record year for solar installations in the UK.

More than 260,000 homes installed solar panels during the year, bringing the total number of solar-powered households to approximately 1.85 million.

The growth reflects increasing consumer interest in energy independence, as well as ongoing efforts to reduce reliance on grid electricity and fossil fuels.

Battery storage adoption accelerates

Alongside solar installations, battery storage uptake is rising rapidly, with installations nearly doubling year-on-year.

Battery systems enable households to store excess electricity generated during the day and use it during peak demand periods, improving efficiency and reducing reliance on higher-cost grid electricity.

This combination of solar generation and storage is becoming a key component of residential energy strategies, particularly as electricity price volatility increases.

Cost savings and energy resilience

Financial considerations remain a major driver of adoption. According to the UK Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ), households installing rooftop solar panels could save around £500 annually on energy bills.

Rebecca Dibb-Simkin, Chief Product Officer at Octopus Energy, said the recent surge reflects a broader shift in how households view energy.

“We are seeing a fundamental shift in the national psyche when it comes to energy. With the second energy market shock in less than five years, homeowners are looking for security,” she said.

“This surge in solar interest suggests people now see their rooftops as a frontline of their financial resilience. By generating their own power, they can help to insulate their bank accounts against global energy crises.”

Households adapting to new energy realities

Homeowners are increasingly combining solar panels with smart tariffs and battery systems to optimise energy use.

One example is a household in Norwich that installed solar panels alongside battery storage, allowing them to charge during lower-cost periods and use stored energy when prices are higher.

This approach highlights how distributed energy technologies are enabling households to take greater control over their energy consumption and costs.

Energy transition at household level

The growth in residential solar reflects a broader shift in the UK energy system, where decentralised generation and consumer participation are becoming more prominent.

As energy price volatility continues and geopolitical risks persist, household-level energy solutions are likely to play an increasingly important role in improving energy security and reducing exposure to global fossil fuel markets.

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The group issued the appeal ahead of the European Council meeting scheduled for 19–20 March, where heads of government are expected to discuss energy prices, security of supply and electricity market reforms.

According to the organisation, disruptions to shipping routes through the Strait of Hormuz have contributed to a sharp rise in fossil gas prices across Europe, with increases of up to around 60% reported in some national markets.

Countries heavily reliant on gas imports—including Italy, Germany and the Netherlands—have seen particularly strong price movements as global energy markets react to the disruption.

The latest developments mark the third major fossil-fuel-driven energy price shock affecting Europe in the past 15 years, the group said.

Energy price volatility linked to fossil fuel dependence

Europe remains heavily dependent on imported fossil fuels for electricity generation and heating, leaving consumers exposed to global commodity markets and geopolitical risks.

In recent remarks on the energy price situation, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen noted that dependence on imported fossil fuels continues to create vulnerabilities for the European economy.

According to estimates cited by Beyond Fossil Fuels, the latest conflict has already increased the cost of fossil fuel imports to Europe by several billion euros in a matter of days.

Energy affordability remains a major concern across the European Union, with millions of households still struggling to adequately heat their homes.

Clean flexibility and grid investment highlighted as solutions

The group argues that expanding “clean flexibility” technologies—including battery storage, demand-side response and pumped hydro—could help reduce electricity price volatility by decreasing reliance on gas-fired power plants.

These technologies allow electricity systems to better integrate renewable energy while maintaining grid stability.

Member States are expected to submit national Flexibility Needs Assessments later this year, outlining how their power systems will integrate non-fossil flexibility solutions.

Beyond Fossil Fuels also called for reforms to capacity market mechanisms that support gas power plants, arguing that such subsidies risk prolonging dependence on fossil fuels.

Policy debates ahead of European Council meeting

The organisation’s statement comes as EU policymakers debate how to manage rising energy prices while continuing the transition toward lower-carbon electricity systems.

Among the measures being discussed across European institutions are expanded renewable energy deployment, grid modernisation, and the future design of electricity markets.

The group also emphasised the role of the EU Emissions Trading System in providing a long-term investment signal for low-carbon technologies.

Juliet Phillips, campaigner at Beyond Fossil Fuels, said the current situation highlights the need to accelerate the transition to domestically produced clean energy.

“Households and businesses are paying too high a price for our dependence on fossil fuels through energy bills and insecurity,” Phillips said.

European leaders are expected to continue discussions on energy security and electricity market reforms during the upcoming European Council meeting later this week.

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The project increased the site’s solar photovoltaic (PV) capacity from 10 kW to 422 kW through the installation of 928 solar panels across eight roofs. The expanded system enables elements of the processing plant to run entirely on renewable electricity.

The installation was delivered by RSK Renewables, part of the RSK Group.

Lewis Doyle, Senior Project Manager at RSK Renewables, said the upgrade builds on an earlier renewable energy investment made by the business more than a decade ago.

“The solar installation at Matthew Algie’s roastery is the second significant renewable energy project the business has embarked on. In 2012, it installed a 10 kW system, which it has now upgraded to have the capacity to power a significant proportion of its operations.”

Engineering design tailored for energy-intensive roasting process

Because coffee roasting requires significant amounts of energy, engineers designed the solar system to integrate with the factory’s operational requirements.

Oluwafemi Sadugba, Senior Solar Design Engineer at RSK Renewables, said the project involved multiple engineering stages including structural assessments, electrical design and grid compliance.

“The design for the new array incorporated multiple engineering processes, from structural assessments, electrical design and grid compliance to fire safety and regulatory compliance. Because coffee roasting is a highly energy-intensive process, the specific needs of the factory to function effectively were considered in the design.”

Detailed roof surveys were undertaken to assess structural capacity, wind uplift resistance and accessibility for maintenance and emergency response.

The design also accounted for potential shading constraints and ensured that the mounting system complied with UK wind load standards under European technical guidelines.

Structural surveys and fire safety built into project

Additional structural engineering support was provided by Acies, another company within the RSK Group.

Emily Taylor, Technical Director at Acies, said the project required both pre- and post-construction structural assessments to ensure the building could safely support the expanded solar array.

“A comprehensive pre-installation survey was carried out across the roof and supporting structures that the PV installation would be fitted to.”

“Following this, a comparative structural back-analysis was undertaken for the provision of a Structural Engineers Registration (SER) certificate to confirm the suitability of the design and loading capacity of the existing structures.”

Fire safety was also integrated into the system design, including firefighter access routes, spacing between arrays and clear circuit identification.

A linear heat detection system was installed to monitor potential overheating across the solar equipment.

The system operates on a zonal basis, enabling early detection of excessive heat. If temperature thresholds are reached, the system automatically shuts down the installation to minimise fire risk.

Installation completed while factory remained operational

The installation was carried out while the roastery remained fully operational, requiring additional safety and hygiene procedures.

Project teams implemented enhanced personal protective equipment requirements to comply with food processing standards inside the facility.

Engineers working inside the building were required to wear hair nets and full protective suits to maintain hygiene standards during the installation works.

The project highlights the growing role of rooftop solar installations in supporting industrial decarbonisation across manufacturing sectors.

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The analysis suggests £20 of electricity can power an electric vehicle for around 150–200 miles, compared with roughly 120 miles for a typical petrol car.

For many drivers, the cost difference translates into longer periods of everyday driving from the same spend on energy.

For the average UK driver, £20 of overnight EV charging could cover approximately seven to ten days of driving, compared with around six days for a petrol vehicle.

Lower charging costs driving EV adoption

The findings underline the importance of operating costs in shaping consumer attitudes towards electric vehicles.

Survey data shows that 63% of drivers who do not currently own an EV say lower charging costs would persuade them to switch.

The proportion rises to 78% among drivers considering purchasing an EV in the near term, and 76% among those considering switching in the longer term.

Industry representatives say the economics of running an EV remain one of the strongest incentives encouraging drivers to move away from petrol and diesel vehicles.

“For many drivers considering the switch to electric, the key question is simple: will it cost less to run?” said John Lewis, chief executive of EV charging company char.gy.

“Our analysis shows that even today, using public charging, £20 of electricity can power an EV significantly further than £20 of petrol.”

Debate over future road pricing

The analysis comes as the UK government considers potential road pricing mechanisms for electric vehicles as fuel duty revenues decline.

As the transition to zero-emission vehicles accelerates, policymakers are examining alternative ways to fund road infrastructure while maintaining incentives for low-carbon transport.

Industry groups say maintaining the cost advantage of EVs will be important for sustaining consumer confidence during this transition.

Affordable charging, particularly through off-peak tariffs, is increasingly being seen as a key factor in enabling widespread EV adoption.

Some operators offer overnight charging tariffs that allow drivers to charge vehicles when electricity demand is lower, reducing costs compared with peak charging periods.

Experts warn that if future policies significantly increase the cost of operating EVs, it could risk slowing adoption during a crucial phase of the UK’s transition to zero-emission transport.

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The awards, organised by Foresight Canada, aim to highlight the ventures, investors and ecosystem supporters helping to advance the country’s clean technology sector.

The programme recognises achievements across multiple sectors including carbon management, clean energy, sustainable agriculture and industrial decarbonisation.

Winners will be announced on 13 March during the Climate Innovation Zone at Web Summit Vancouver.

Canadian cleantech awards finalists across multiple categories

The Canadian cleantech awards finalists span several categories designed to recognise different parts of the cleantech ecosystem.

These include awards for startup ventures, scale-up companies, ecosystem supporters and investors contributing to the development of the sector.

Adopter of the Year Finalists

• Amlamgog First Nation – New Brunswick
• FortisBC – British Columbia
• Lynch Bus Lines – British Columbia
• Ontario Soil Network – Ontario
• Presstran Industries (Magna International) – Ontario
• Valley Bio Ltd. – Ontario

Ecosystem Supporter of the Year Finalists

• Accelerating Community Energy Transformation (ACET) – British Columbia
• Ashton Brehm, EnerNEXT – Alberta
• Carbon Removal Canada – Ontario
• Cheryl Trudell, Imperial – Alberta
• RXN HUB – Ontario

Funder of the Year Finalists

• Emissions Reduction Alberta – Alberta
• Misfit Ventures – British Columbia
• NorthX Climate Tech – British Columbia
• PaceZero Capital Partners – Ontario
• Stonebridge Financial – Ontario
• Tall Grass Ventures – Alberta

Startup Venture of the Year Finalists

• Aeon Blue – Nova Scotia
• BlueForce Energy – British Columbia
• Evercloak – Ontario
• Maia Farms – British Columbia
• TerraFerno Geothermal Solutions – Alberta

Scale-up Venture of the Year Finalists

• Eavor Technologies Inc. – Alberta
• Mangrove Lithium – British Columbia
• Moment Energy – British Columbia
• Svante Technologies Inc. – British Columbia
• QEA Tech – Ontario

Cleantech sector visibility at Web Summit Vancouver

The awards will be presented at the Climate Innovation Zone within Web Summit Vancouver, an international technology event that brings together investors, startups and industry leaders.

According to organisers, the event is intended to provide a global platform for companies developing climate technologies and clean energy solutions.

The awards programme has evolved from earlier regional initiatives including the BC Cleantech Awards, which launched in 2020, followed by additional regional programmes in Alberta and Atlantic Canada.

Further reporting on emerging clean technologies can be found in the Technology & Innovation section of Climate Global News.

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