Bangkok: The Electrical Engineering Institute is actively supporting Thailand's efforts to accelerate the development of the electric vehicle (EV) battery recycling industry, in response to the expected rise in global demand for electric vehicles, which is projected to surpass 20 million units worldwide.
According to Thai News Agency, as electric vehicles become central to the global green economy, the increase in their sales is leading to new challenges for the lithium-ion battery industry in managing 'electromobile battery waste.' This shift is in line with Thailand's aim to achieve carbon neutrality and net-zero emissions by 2050. The International Energy Agency (IEA) reports that global EV sales reached 17 million in 2024, with expectations to exceed 20 million by 2025, driving the demand for lithium-ion batteries and the need for sustainable end-of-life battery management.
Mr. Narat Rujirat, Director of the Electrical and Electronics Institute (EEI), noted that the government has already implemented measures to support EV adoption, including taxes, subsidies, and infrastructure development. By 2024, Thailand is expected to have over 763,000 battery electric vehicles (BEVs), plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), and hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs). The Thai Energy Storage Technology Association (TESTA) predicts that by 2038, EV battery waste in Thailand will exceed 800,000 tons, escalating to 2.5 million tons by 2043. This presents a significant business opportunity for the country to develop technologies and infrastructure for battery waste management, aligning with clean energy and the circular economy.
The EEI is committed to being a pivotal mechanism in supporting and empowering entrepreneurs to establish a safe and efficient EV battery recycling industry, thereby creating economic and environmental value. This initiative aims to propel the electrical and electronics industry and related sectors towards sustainable long-term growth. EV battery recycling is seen as essential for the future of clean energy as it not only reduces carbon emissions but also creates new business opportunities in the clean energy industry chain. Collaboration among public, private, and academic sectors is crucial to promote recycling policies and technologies, potentially positioning Thailand as the hub for EV battery management in ASEAN.