#United States #sustainable energy #Battery Recycling #Chester #Princeton NuEnergy

Advancing the Circular Economy: PNE's Revolutionary Recycling Facility in South Carolina

Princeton NuEnergy Inc. (PNE), a leader in lithium-ion battery recycling and materials rejuvenation, has officially launched its flagship recycling facility in Chester, South Carolina. Marking a significant milestone, this facility is the first commercial-scale plant dedicated to Advanced Black Mass (ABM™) production and battery-grade cathode active materials, furthering America’s position in the battery supply chain.

PNE was founded on the principles of sustainability and innovation at Princeton University, with a mission to revolutionize the way materials are recovered and reused in battery manufacturing. Their proprietary low-temperature plasma-assisted separation process (LPAS™) is a game-changer in the recycling industry, allowing for the extraction of battery-grade materials in a much more efficient and environmentally friendly manner compared to traditional recycling methods.

The Facility: A Hub for Sustainable Practices

The new facility is engineered to produce 5,000 tons per annum (tpa) of high-purity ABM™ from manufacturing scrap, showcasing the company’s dedication to domestic production of critical battery minerals. The operation not only meets but exceeds U.S. and state environmental standards, emphasizing PNE's commitment to safety and sustainability. With a remarkable recovery yield greater than 97%, this facility is set to surpass industry benchmarks, ensuring high-quality output for battery production.

In 2026, PNE plans to expand the facility’s capacity to 15,000 tpa, with aspirations to ramp up to 50,000 tpa as market demands increase. This growth reflects the rising need for recycled battery materials and the importance of creating a closed-loop system in the battery supply chain.

Pioneering the Future of Battery Manufacturing

The Chester facility is just one component of PNE’s larger strategy to build a nationwide network for U.S. battery material recovery. Alongside a joint pilot facility in McKinney, Texas, PNE is pioneering advanced direct recycling technologies that promise to transform the industry. The establishment of the Materials Testing Center in Princeton, NJ—the largest of its kind in the northeastern U.S.—further supports the company’s aim to ensure high standards in battery manufacturing and testing.

PNE's innovative approaches are not only gaining recognition within the industry but are also earning accolades from prestigious organizations. Recently, PNE was recognized by TIME Magazine as one of America’s Top GreenTech Companies for 2025 as well as making the inaugural list for the World’s Top GreenTech Companies, underscoring its leadership in sustainable technology.

The Road Ahead

As U.S. policy increasingly prioritizes energy independence and sustainable practices, PNE stands at the forefront of this movement, advocating for a circular economy in battery production. Co-Founder and CEO, Dr. Chao Yan, emphasizes that today’s advances demonstrate that the U.S. can lead in battery materials recovery and manufacturing. With ongoing support from significant partners, including Honda Motor Co., Ltd. and the U.S. Department of Energy, PNE is well-positioned to drive the future of battery technology.

The implications of PNE's operations extend beyond business; they represent crucial strides toward environmental sustainability and energy independence. As we observe the growing demands for electric vehicles and renewable energy sources, the role of responsible battery recycling will be paramount in shaping a greener future.

As Princeton NuEnergy continues to lead the way in lithium-ion battery recycling, the establishment of its South Carolina facility marks a pivotal step in reinforcing the U.S. battery supply chain, enabling the advancement of sustainable technologies for generations to come.