US battery recycler Princeton NuEnergy (PNE) has begun operating its lithium-ion battery recycling plant in Chester, South Carolina. The plant produces 5,000 tons of “advanced black mass” from production waste each year. According to the company, its proprietary recycling processes result in a recovery rate of over 97 percent. These processed materials serve as raw materials for new battery cells with NCM and LFP cathode chemistry.
PNE plans to expand annual capacity to 15,000 tons by 2026. In the long term, PNE aims to increase capacity up to 50,000 tons depending on market developments.
PNE was founded at Princeton University and uses a direct recycling concept based on a patented low-temperature process. The company claims this technology significantly reduces costs and environmental impact compared to conventional methods. PNE receives funding from government grants and investments from companies such as Honda, Samsung, Shell Ventures, and the U.S. Department of Energy. In addition to its location in Chester, PNE operates a pilot plant in Texas and a test center in New Jersey.
