The RESTORE project consortium gathered in Grimstad, Norway, on 28–29 April 2026 for its General Assembly, hosted by the University of Agder (UiA). The meeting brought together all project partners to review the progress achieved so far, align on the next implementation phases, and strengthen collaboration across the consortium.
As project coordinator, Leitat led the strategic discussions focused on updated timelines, coordination between work packages, and implementation priorities for the coming months. The General Assembly provided an important opportunity to reconnect the consortium and ensure a shared vision for the continued development of innovative recycling solutions for end-of-life batteries.
RESTORE is working to develop sustainable and efficient technologies for the recycling and recovery of materials from electric vehicle and domestic batteries. Through the integration of advanced sorting, dismantling, pre-treatment, purification, and valorisation technologies, the project aims to support a more circular European battery ecosystem while contributing to the reduction of dependence on critical raw materials.
During the two-day meeting, partners presented the latest progress achieved across the project’s technical activities. Discussions focused on battery supply and fast sorting strategies, novel discharging approaches, automated dismantling processes, advanced pre-treatment methods, black mass purification, and the recovery of strategic materials. The consortium also reviewed ongoing sustainability and techno-economic assessment activities, which are essential to ensuring the viability and scalability of the proposed solutions.
The exchanges highlighted both the strong technical ambition of the project and the importance of close collaboration between partners to optimise material flows and accelerate the transition towards more sustainable battery recycling systems.
The meeting also reinforced RESTORE’s relevance within Europe’s rapidly evolving battery innovation landscape. As the European Union continues to strengthen its focus on circularity, strategic raw materials, and resilient industrial value chains, projects such as RESTORE play an important role in advancing practical recycling solutions and supporting the development of a more competitive and sustainable European battery ecosystem.
In addition to the technical and strategic sessions, participants had the opportunity to visit UiA’s research facilities, gaining valuable insight into the institution’s expertise in mechatronics, artificial intelligence, and battery-related innovation. The visit further strengthened the collaborative spirit of the consortium and highlighted the importance of advanced research infrastructures in enabling sustainable industrial transformation.
