NCSTT ITB Receives Research Grant from DFAT under the KONEKSI Program

The National Center for Sustainable Transportation Technology (NCSTT) ITB has successfully secured a prestigious research grant from the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) under the KONEKSI program, managed by Cowater International. This collaborative initiative promotes knowledge and innovation, fostering inclusive and sustainable policies and technologies jointly supported by the governments of Australia and Indonesia. Spanning two years from October 2024, the program underscores a shared commitment to advancing green technologies and sustainable development.

The research project, titled “Sustainable Ecosystem Development of Lithium-ion Battery for Electric Vehicle: From Design Process to Recyclability”, is led by Dr. Eng. Bentang Arief Budiman, supported by a multidisciplinary team including experts Zela Tanlega, Ph.D., Taufiq Hidayat, Ph.D., Prof. Dr. Eng. Ferry Iskandar, and Poetro Lebdo Sambegoro, Ph.D. This strategic collaboration also brings Curtin University, represented by Prof. Richard Diaz Alorro, alongside industrial partner PT Gotion Indonesia Materials, creating a robust alliance to tackle critical challenges in battery recycling.

Indonesia’s shift from fossil fuel-powered vehicles to electric vehicles (EVs) marks a pivotal moment in its journey toward decarbonization. This transition not only reduces reliance on petroleum imports but also optimizes surplus electricity, offering significant environmental and economic benefits. However, the absence of comprehensive battery recycling infrastructure can pose other serious challenges, including potential environmental degradation and unsustainable exploitation of domestic mineral resources.

Leveraging its extensive experience, ITB is uniquely positioned to address these challenges. The university has a proven track record in pioneering battery material recovery, including the extraction of lithium, nickel, and graphite at the laboratory scale. These efforts hold promising potential for scaling into technology demonstrators. Complementing ITB’s strengths, Curtin University brings cutting-edge expertise in advanced material recovery, such as glycine-based leaching methods for nickel and cobalt. Additionally, Curtin houses a state-of-the-art pilot plant under the Future Battery Industries Cooperative Research Centre (FBICRC) that has achieved outstanding success in producing cathode precursor materials within its first year of operation. Together, these institutions represent a powerful collaboration to drive innovation in battery recycling.

This partnership aspires to revolutionize battery recycling by developing a comprehensive demonstrator technology that addresses critical gaps in Indonesia’s EV battery ecosystem. Beyond technological advancements, the collaboration prioritizes the expertise and knowledge exchanges between ITB and Curtin University, fostering a dynamic research environment. Key activities such as short visits, hosting visiting researchers, and facilitating student exchanges are central to strengthening institutional ties and ensuring knowledge transfer across borders.

The research initiative takes a holistic approach, covering the entire lifecycle of battery products, from design and usage to end-of-life management. As illustrated in Figure 1, this research project strategically targets the gaps, with the following activities serving as cornerstones for achieving a sustainable and effective battery ecosystem:

1. Development of technology demonstration - ITB
   - Electric trike for battery waste and black mass transport
   - Cell-to-black mass machine as a technology demonstrator
2. Optimization of material extraction from recycled batteries - ITB
3. Optimization of material extraxtion from recycled batteries - Curtin University
4. Design of recyclable battery packs - ITB
5. Production of batteries using recycled materials - ITB 

To ensure impactful outcomes, the project also places a strong emphasis on knowledge dissemination. Research findings will be shared through publications in high-impact journals, presentations at international conferences, and public workshops, for raising awareness of sustainable battery recycling practices.

This project not only seeks to provide sustainable solutions for Indonesia’s EV ecosystem but also aims to reduce production costs for batteries, making EVs more accessible to the public. By bridging the technological gap and fostering collaboration between academic institutions and industry, the project contributes to global advancements in battery recycling technology and strengthens Indonesia’s role in the green energy revolution.