A Framework for the Safe and Efficient Global Movement of Batteries

The document argues that a sustainable circular battery value chain is essential for meeting Paris Agreement climate goals, projecting that global battery demand will increase 19-fold over the next decade. It identifies regulatory inconsistencies in the classification of 'waste' versus 'product' as a primary barrier to the transboundary movement of batteries needed for second-life applications and high-value recycling. To resolve this, the paper recommends standardizing definitions, preserving product characterization for non-waste transactions, scaling corporate reverse logistics, implementing digital traceability via 'battery passports', and launching pilot programs based on the North Sea Resources Roundabout model.

• Global battery demand is projected to grow 19 times current levels over the next ten years to support electric vehicles and energy storage. By 2030, approximately 2 million metric tonnes of EV batteries are expected to reach the end of their first life annually.
• Implementing circular economy levers—including repair, refurbishment, repurposing for second-life stationary storage, and advanced recycling—could reduce total battery lifetime costs by over 20% by 2030. These actions could enable 30% of the emissions reductions required in the transport and power sectors to meet the 2°C Paris Agreement target.
• The market for repurposed EV batteries for second-life stationary applications could reach 60 GWh/y by 2030, potentially meeting up to 6% of global stationary power storage capacity demand. High-performance recycling could provide 10% of key battery materials, valued at approximately $10 billion.
• Current transboundary movement of batteries is hindered by inconsistent national and international legal frameworks, particularly regarding the distinction between 'waste' and 'product'. This often leads to batteries being classified as hazardous waste, which restricts the economies of scale necessary for viable second-life and recycling industries.
• The document proposes a 'battery passport' as a digital traceability mechanism to store static and dynamic data—such as material composition, origin, and health—throughout the battery's lifecycle. This would help trade officers accurately categorize batteries and prevent fraudulent waste dumping.
• To foster a circular economy, the paper recommends five interventions: standardizing definitions of terms like 'reuse' and 'repurposing'; preserving 'product' status for batteries destined for refurbishment; scaling corporate reverse logistics (including leasing and battery-as-a-service); establishing traceability systems; and implementing pilot programs with compliant facilities.

APA

World Economic Forum (2021). A Framework for the Safe and Efficient Global Movement of Batteries. http://www3.weforum.org/docs/WEF_Battery_Alliance_Opportunity_Statement_2021.pdf

Chicago

World Economic Forum. A Framework for the Safe and Efficient Global Movement of Batteries. 2021. http://www3.weforum.org/docs/WEF_Battery_Alliance_Opportunity_Statement_2021.pdf.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |author=World Economic Forum |title=A Framework for the Safe and Efficient Global Movement of Batteries |date=January 2021 |url=http://www3.weforum.org/docs/WEF_Battery_Alliance_Opportunity_Statement_2021.pdf |access-date=23 October 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{worldeconomicforum2021framework, author = {{World Economic Forum}}, title = {{A Framework for the Safe and Efficient Global Movement of Batteries}}, institution = {World Economic Forum}, year = {2021}, month = jan, url = {http://www3.weforum.org/docs/WEF_Battery_Alliance_Opportunity_Statement_2021.pdf}, urldate = {2026-10-23}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }