Abu dhabi: The Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure (MoEI) has announced plans to form a new joint venture with BEEAH, the region's leading sustainability and innovation pioneer, and LOHUM, India's largest diversified producer of sustainable critical minerals and advanced materials.
According to Emirates News Agency, the partnership was announced at the World Future Energy Summit on the sidelines of Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week. It will facilitate the development of the UAE's first large-scale facility for electric vehicle (EV) battery recycling and second-life repurposing. The joint venture builds on an earlier collaboration agreement between BEEAH and LOHUM to bring advanced lithium-ion battery recycling to the UAE. The facility, to be located within BEEAH's integrated Waste Management Complex in Al Saja'a, Sharjah, will have the technology to recycle and repurpose EV batteries, as well as other types of Lithium-ion batteries, enabling the UAE's broader circular economy strategy.
In 2026, the facility aims to process 1,500 tonnes of Lithium-ion batteries and, by the third year of operations, double its processing capacity. Through integrations with its software platform, the joint venture will also offer producers end-to-end traceability and visibility, from the collection and tagging of end-of-life Lithium-ion batteries to recycling and repurposing. This will empower producers to remain compliant with regulations, benefit from buyback programs, and actively participate in the circular economy.
Sharif Al Olama, Under-Secretary for Energy and Petroleum Affairs at the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, emphasized that the partnership aligns with the national agenda to manage electric vehicle batteries through localized innovations. The specialized facility will operate at the highest technical and environmental standards, strengthening circularity and the UAE's readiness to keep pace with the rapid growth of electric mobility. He added that the project represents a key pillar in the national roadmap, positioning the UAE as a global hub for electric vehicles and targeting 50 percent of vehicles to be electric by 2050. The initiative supports the reduction of emissions in the transport sector, contributes to the development of local industrial capabilities, and creates sustainable economic opportunities.
Khaled Al Huraimel, Group CEO and Vice Chairman, BEEAH, stated that the project is a natural extension of BEEAH's broader circularity strategy, demonstrating how sustainability unlocks value across future-critical industries. By joining forces with MoEI and LOHUM, BEEAH is proactively addressing end-of-life EV battery lifecycle management and reducing reliance on landfills as demand for electric mobility surges. The facility's strategic location within BEEAH's flagship waste management complex further reinforces its commitment to managing emerging waste streams and achieving Sharjah's zero-waste target.
Sachin Maheshwari, Chief Corporate Development Officer, expressed enthusiasm for expanding collaboration with BEEAH and welcomed MoEI as a partner in this national initiative. LOHUM's integrated battery recycling and repurposing solutions are designed to maximize the remaining useful life of lithium-ion batteries before extracting critical materials with zero-waste efficiency. This approach cuts carbon footprint and ensures that raw materials are reintroduced into the supply chain. Together, they aim to build a world-class facility supporting the UAE's sustainability vision and accelerating the global shift toward clean energy.
The plant will introduce a full-circle recycling approach, starting with the repurposing of used EV batteries for second-life applications such as energy storage systems, followed by the safe dismantling of components for extraction. Using LOHUM's patented NEETM® technology, the facility will recover valuable materials including lithium, cobalt, nickel, and graphite for reintegration into the circular economy instead of being landfilled or re-sourced from international supply chains. Research indicates that prioritizing reuse before recycling significantly lowers the carbon and resource footprint associated with virgin battery production and disposal.