2025-01-01

Drawing a Future for the Positive Circular Economy of Electric Vehicle Used Batteries

Nation's First Reused Battery Safety Testing Institution… Driving the Full-cycle Industry
From this year, full-scale commercialization and distribution of used battery products will begin.

By Song Byeong-hoon, Energy Daily Reporter

According to the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport and the Ministry of Environment, Jeju Island's electric vehicle (EV) ratio stands at 9.49%, which is about five times higher than the national cumulative EV adoption rate of 2.52%. While Jeju has the highest EV adoption rate in the country, the foundation for handling used EV batteries is insufficient, making the disposal of these batteries a growing issue. Jeju had no used battery recycling companies, and even transporting used batteries to the mainland was not feasible due to the risks of explosion and fire.

In response, Jeju Technopark (Jeju TP), supported by the Ministry of SMEs and Startups and Jeju Province, has been promoting the Jeju EV Charging Service Free Zone project from 2019 to 2025. As the first in the country, Jeju TP opened the EV Battery Industrialization Center to collect and store used EV batteries. This project has been evolving and achieving significant milestones.

This article explores the current and future prospects of the Jeju Technopark Energy Center as we enter 2025.

Jeju Technopark Energy Center Overview

▲ Reused Battery Safety Testing Institution

In October 2023, Jeju Technopark was selected as the nation's first safety testing institution for reused batteries by the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy.

To reuse electric vehicle batteries, they must undergo safety testing, which is now carried out at Jeju Technopark. This development reduces the time and economic burden on local businesses that previously had to rely on external testing institutions outside Jeju.

Leveraging the established EV Battery Industrialization Center, Jeju TP's Energy Center now oversees the entire process of used battery collection, evaluation, and utilization, leading Jeju's used battery industry.

▲ Acquisition of Non-destructive X-ray Equipment for Re-manufactured Batteries

In April 2024, Jeju Technopark introduced an X-ray scanner for re-manufactured batteries at the EV Battery Industrialization Center's safety testing facility. This equipment, which received 1.5 billion KRW in support from the Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Energy and Jeju Special Self-Governing Province, enables CT scanning and 3D image analysis of EV battery modules, allowing for pre-inspection of electrical characteristics, battery degradation, and internal issues.

This equipment is also capable of inspecting internal cracks in various products, enhancing defect detection and promoting the safe development of usable products.

▲ Establishment of an EV Battery Pack Automated Disassembly Line

Jeju Technopark is collaborating with Thoth Co., Ltd., one of its resident companies, to develop an automated disassembly line for EV battery packs at the EV Battery Industrialization Center for research purposes.

The current disassembly system requires two experts and takes up to four hours. Given the high voltage of the batteries, there are safety risks involved. However, the new automated system will reduce time, costs, and safety concerns when disassembling battery packs into modular units.

The system is expected to undergo initial testing in January 2025 before full deployment.

▲ Completion of Tamla Offshore Wind Power Plant Nighttime Tourism Lighting

In March 2024, Jeju Technopark completed a nighttime lighting installation at the Tamla Offshore Wind Power Plant, located in Du-mori and Geumdeung-ri, Hangyeong-myeon. This lighting system uses surplus electricity from wind power and used EV batteries, providing a new tourist attraction in Jeju from 7:00 PM to 9:30 PM, offering a colorful experience with red, green, blue, and purple lights for both locals and tourists.

▲ Activating the EV Used Battery Industry

In May 2024, Jeju Province, Jeju Technopark, and Hyundai Glovis signed an agreement to establish a stable management system for used EV batteries and stimulate the full-cycle industry.

The agreement outlines cooperation in building a used EV battery management system in Jeju, fostering the full-cycle industry for used EV batteries, and developing a circular economy foundation. Specifically, Jeju Technopark will strengthen testing and evaluation functions and oversee the industrial management system to accelerate the development of related industries.

Starting in 2025, Jeju Technopark will promote the full-scale commercialization and distribution of products utilizing used EV batteries.

For the past five years, Jeju has been testing and developing various products using used EV batteries. These include practical products like small energy storage systems (ESS) for greenhouses and wind- and solar-powered street lamps, which are now ready for commercialization.

The small ESS for greenhouses can keep essential equipment like fans and actuators operational during power outages, significantly reducing crop damage caused by weather anomalies. The design also includes fire-prevention features for safety. Before commercialization, these products will undergo strict safety verification according to Jeju Technopark’s used battery safety testing protocols.

Jeju Technopark's Energy Center expects significant progress in the agricultural sector with this upcoming commercialization, targeting responses to climate change and improving farm income. The first pilot programs will be introduced to farmers, with a plan for gradual expansion.

Through these efforts, Jeju Technopark's Energy Center is shaping the future of a sustainable circular economy for used EV batteries, benefiting not only Jeju residents but the wider domestic market.

source : https://www.energydaily.co.kr/news/articleView.html?idxno=152518