UAE-based Dubatt Battery Recycling has started the construction works of its $70 million, first-of-its-kind Lead-Acid Battery (LAB) Recycling Plant in Dubai Industrial City, spanning across an area of 70,000 Square Feet.
The joint venture between Regency Group for Corporate Management LLC and Seashore Group, the state-of-the-art project will convert used batteries into lead ingots and plastic chips for reuse by battery manufacturers, all while contributing to the UAE’s Economic Policy and Sustainable Goals.
The Dubatt plant will start with a 10 ton/hour battery breaker, 4-cu-m Smelter, and four refinery kettles. The initial capacity is to recycle up to 25,000 metric tons of ULABS (Used Lead-Acid Batteries) annually and produce 14,000 tons of lead ingots and 1,750 tons of plastic chips which will be sold to battery manufacturers, medical, fishing, and other industrial sectors. This accounts for recycling around 35 percent of the lead-acid battery scrap generated in the UAE.
The plant machinery and technology are provided by FIB SPA, part of SERI Group Italy which is a pioneer in battery recycling technology with expertise in setting up numerous plants across the world.
Mr. Saud Abu Al Shawareb, Managing Director, Dubai Industrial City, laid the foundation stone of the plant, which is expected to be fully operational by January 2023.
The guests of honor at the ceremony included Eng Abdul Majeed Abdul Azeez Saifaie, Director, Waste Management Department, Dubai Municipality, and Mr. Abdullah Al Mahri, Director, Investments and Stakeholder Management, Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology.
Mr. Al Shawareb stated that “The UAE’s sustainability agenda is catalyzing the rise and expansion of innovative businesses working to reduce our ecological footprint through sustainable solutions. As the region’s leading industrial hub, it is part of our purview to complement these efforts and support our leadership’s vision for a clean future by providing enabling infrastructure and framework that supports the reclamation of hazardous materials like lead and plastic into reusable products.”
“We are thrilled to welcome Dubatt Battery Recycling to our growing roster of cutting-edge recycling plants that will serve as a beacon of green technology and pave the way for a sustainable and healthy future in the region,” Mr. Al Shawareb added.
Mr. Shamsudheen Binmohideen, Chairman of the entity remarked at the press conference that “Dubatt is an inspirational investment from the UAE Circular Economy Policy and Sustainability Goals. The project has been launched under the patronage and approvals from various government entities such as Dubai Municipality, Dubai Environment, Ministry of Industries and Advanced technology, and the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment. Upon completion, we will act as an organized recycler and waste management facility for ULA batteries thereby promoting reduction of carbon footprint and climate change.”
Dubai Economy Deputy Director-General Mr. Ali Ibrahim, Dubai Industries and Exports CEO, Eng Saeed Alawadi, and Italy’s SERI Group Founder and Director Mr. Giacomo Civetilo were also present at the press conference.
Meanwhile, Mr. Hasique Pandikadavath, Director of Dubatt stated that “A study we undertook found that the UAE produces approximately 6,000 metric tonnes of batteries per month and globally battery scraps are not processed in an environment-friendly manner. In many parts of the world, scrap batteries are exported after dumping the acid into the soil which is extremely hazardous, polluting the air, water, and soil.”
“We aim to enhance the efficient repurposing of batteries by sourcing it from the market, collaborating with major battery traders, scrap traders, car dealerships, garages, and government authorities. We also solicit the support of all relevant stakeholders, the media, and the public in contributing to this Green Clean Initiative,” added Mr. Pandikadavath.
Mr. Binmohideen further stated that “We are planning to double our recycling capacity within a year from our commercial products and our plant is constructed with this provision to expand. Our future plan is to set up a lead-acid battery production plant in the next two years as part of our vertical integration and expansion. We intend to produce a ‘Made in UAE’ brand of batteries soon.”
The group is also looking for a technology partnership with FAAM Italy, a division of SERI Group Italy, to build new advanced lithium-ion batteries to power electric vehicles and other applications. Dubatt’s technology partner is SERI SRL, which is at the forefront of battery recycling and lithium-ion battery manufacturing.
