NAATBatt 2026 Recycling & Lifecycle Management Workshop -- Final Agenda and Speakers Announced

The agenda, speakers and presenting NAATBatt member companies at NAATBatt's 9th annual workshop on lithium battery recycling and lifecycle management have been announced and can be seen by clicking here.

NAATBatt will hold the workshop on July 7-8, 2026, at Michigan State University's MEC Center in Troy, Michigan. This year's workshop will focus on new strategies by EV manufacturers to take advantage of recycled materials, the changing market for recycling given the rise of LFP batteries, and the revival of interest in 2nd life battery use in light of changing battery chemistries and the economics of recycling. Also expect an interesting panel discussing strategies for recycling lithium batteries located on islands.

Don't miss the optional workshop networking dinner on July 7, and the Meet the Recyclers presentations by NAATBatt member firms engaged in the business of lithium battery recycling. Register now for the Workshop! Click here for more information and to register.

Affordable Power Conference & Expo: Innovative Power Generation and Energy Storage Solutions for Data Centers and Other Large Loads

The website is now live and registration is open for the Affordable Power Conference & Expo in Syracuse, NY on November 3-5, 2026. To get more information, register to attend, and get information about exhibiting and sponsoring at the conference and expo, click here.

NAATBatt and NY-BEST are partnering on a new conference and expo focused on the energy storage and power generation needs of data centers and other large loads. The Expo will be a free-to-attend event offering companies providing energy storage and energy generation products to data centers and other large loads the opportunity to highlight their expertise and meet potential customers. The Expo will be co-located with a conference discussing the policy drivers, economics, and innovative new energy technologies shaping this rapidly growing market. It will also address the important question of how the explosive need of data centers for electric power can, through the deployment of innovative new energy technologies and thoughtful policies, be made to benefit all electricity users.

NAATBatt and NY-BEST have released a Call for Speakers, seeking proposals to give talks about new power generation and energy storage technologies that can address the data center/large load power challenge as well as policy initiatives to try to enure that the addition of these large new loads do not raise electricity prices for everyone else. This is the most important issue in the data center industry today. If your company has a technology solution, please apply to speak. A lot of people are looking for effective solutions. To see the Call for Speakers, click here.

NAATBatt 2027 Annual Meeting & Conference

It is not too early to start planning for NAATBatt 2027. NAATBatt 2027, the 18th annual meeting of NAATBatt International, be held on February 8–11, 2027, at the Westin Rancho Mirage in Rancho Mirage, California, just outside Palm Springs. The NAATBatt annual meeting features presentations by leading consulting firms and market analysts about various sectors of the battery market, in-person meetings of all 18 NAATBatt communities, Member Update Presentations by NAATBatt member firms, and simply the best socializing and networking available anywhere in the North American advanced battery industry. Mark your calendar and watch this newsletter for updates about NAATBatt 2027.

New! NAATBatt Job Board

Looking to hire talent in the advanced battery industry or explore new career opportunities? NAATBatt is pleased to launch its new Job Board, designed to connect employers with professionals across the battery and energy storage ecosystem.

NAATBatt members may post job openings free of charge, while non-members can post positions for $250 per listing. All job postings are featured on the NAATBatt website and promoted in the NAATBatt Weekly newsletter for added visibility within the industry.

Whether you are recruiting top talent or searching for your next opportunity, the NAATBatt Job Board is a valuable new resource for the advanced battery community.

Visit the Job Board today:

NAATBatt Job Board 

New Market Report on Energy Storage for Data Centers

NAATBatt has published a new comprehensive report on the energy storage market for data centers prepared by Avicenne Energy. Available exclusively to NAATBatt members through the NAATBatt Resources page, the report provides insights into one of the fastest-growing sectors of the battery industry.

NAATBatt plans to release 3-4 Market Reports annually covering key sectors of the advanced battery market. The next report on the market for LFP CAM and pre-CAM materials in North America prepared by CRU Group is expected to be released in July 2026. Access to these reports is included with NAATBatt membership, offering significant value compared to the cost of purchasing similar research from major consulting firms. Companies interested in gaining access to current and future reports can learn more and apply through the NAATBatt Membership page.

NAATBatt Lithium-Ion Battery Supply Chain Database

Since 2021, NAATBatt has retained the National Laboratory of the Rockies (NLR) (formerly the National Renewable Energy Laboratory), to produce a comprehensive database of all companies in North America active in the lithium-ion battery supply chain. The database can be accessed by clicking here: NLR/NAATBatt Lithium-Ion Battery Supply Chain.

NAATBatt membership dues pay for the database. As a public service, NAATBatt makes the database available to all users. The database is a public resource intended to make doing business in the North American lithium-ion supply chain easier and more efficient. Thanks to all NAATBatt members for doing their part to make this available to everyone!

The updated database now identifies more than 1,000 companies and more than 1,200 facilities involved in manufacturing, supplying, designing or supporting lithium-ion battery technology in North America. It includes companies involved in mining, material processing, electrode/cell/pack manufacturing, cell component production, recycling/repurposing, and supporting infrastructure such as equipment makers, R&D startups, services, consulting, product distributors, and professional services.

Access the database now to make use of this resource. If your company or facility is not listed but should be, complete the online questionnaire to be include in the next update. Companies are encouraged to review the database and send any corrections to LIB.SupplyChain@nlr.gov.

NAATBatt Communities

NAATBatt has 18 active subject matter committees/communities, offering NAATBatt members a way to hear about new developments in 18 different sectors of the advanced battery industry. And here's the kicker: It costs nothing to join a NAATBatt committee and participate in the community discussions. Just sign up here. NAATBatt subject matter communities are the new "water cooler" of the North American advanced battery industry: the place to hear the scuttlebutt about what is really going on. It makes no sense not to join.

Click here for a list of upcoming meetings.

Member Press Releases

Dukosi announced a collaboration with A123 Systems and Nuvation Energy to develop a proof-of-concept high-capacity battery energy storage system (BESS) solution for the North American market, combining Dukosi’s Chip-on-Cell technology, A123’s C-SynQ® next-generation high-capacity LFP cell technology, and Nuvation’s BMS design.

Click here for the full news release.

Researchers at Sandia National Laboratories developed a microwave-based process that recovers and remakes battery cathodes, creating a potential domestic source of critical materials while reducing processing time and cost compared with conventional high-temperature methods.

Click here for the full news release.

NAATBatt members interested in publishing press releases about developments at their companies in this section of the newsletter should send their releases by e-mail to Vivian Yu at NAATBatt by Thursday of each week.

Mentorship Program

Mentorship That Moves You Forward

The NAATBatt Match2Mentor Program is now accepting applications for its next mentoring cycle.

Designed exclusively for NAATBatt members, this structured one-to-one program connects emerging professionals with experienced industry leaders to foster growth, expand networks, and support career development in the rapidly evolving battery and energy storage sector.

Whether you are looking to sharpen your leadership skills, gain fresh perspective, or navigate new career opportunities, Match2Mentor provides a valuable forum for meaningful conversations and professional guidance.

Participants gain:

• Industry insights from experienced professionals
• Expanded professional connections
• Enhanced leadership and strategic thinking skills
• Practical guidance for career growth and decision-making

"The mentoring relationship helped me build confidence, strengthen my strategic thinking, and better navigate challenges with professionalism and purpose."

— Alyssia Bostrom, Mentee

With only a modest time commitment, participants can build relationships that deliver lasting professional value.

Program Dates: August 2026 – January 2027

Ready to invest in your future? Apply today! For complete program details, visit the Match2Mentor webpage.

Not yet a NAATBatt member? Join now to take advantage of Match2Mentor and a wide range of additional member benefits.

Community Pulse

Building Smarter Data Centers Starts with Community Engagement

As AI-driven data center development accelerates, communities have a unique opportunity to help shape projects that deliver both economic and environmental benefits.

During this week’s NAATBatt ESS & Data Center Community meeting, Kerry Duggan of Energy Security Partners presented a forward-looking framework for “regenerative data centers” – facilities designed to pair renewable energy and battery storage with responsible development practices. Rather than placing additional strain on communities, these projects can support grid resilience, create jobs, and generate long-term economic value.

Duggan emphasized that hyperscalers are under intense pressure to bring new capacity online, giving communities significant leverage to advocate for sustainable practices and meaningful local benefits. She stressed that early engagement and strong public-private partnerships are essential to avoiding delays and building public trust.

The discussion explored challenges surrounding public perception, energy literacy, zoning, and misinformation, with attendees noting that compelling storytelling and community education are often more important than technical hurdles. Smaller data centers, behind-the-meter generation, and emerging technologies such as sodium-ion batteries were also discussed as promising tools for improving reliability and safety.

Examples of successful sustainable development, including Seattle’s Bullitt Center, highlighted how resilient infrastructure can serve broader goals such as environmental justice, housing improvements, and local economic growth.

To support communities navigating these issues, Duggan shared several resources, including the University of Michigan's Data Center Guidebook, information from Michigan for Data Centers, and a recent commentary in Crain’s Detroit Business on responsible data center development.

Interested in helping shape the future of energy storage and data centers? Join the NAATBatt ESS & Data Center Community – or any of NAATBatt’s industry communities – and connect with experts working to address the challenges and opportunities transforming the battery ecosystem. Sign up today.

Li-Bridge Corner

EPA Extends SNUR 26-2 Comment Period

The U.S. EPA has extended the public comment period to July 10, 2026, for its proposed Significant New Use Rule (SNUR) 26-2 targeting Mixed Metal Oxide (MMO) Cathode Active Materials (CAMs) used in lithium-ion battery applications. The original April 24, 2026, Federal Register Proposal was extended following pushback from major automakers and industry groups over concerns about significant supply chain impacts.

Advanced Battery Industry News

AESC and Prevalon Energy (Mitsubishi Power Americas and EES joint venture (JV)) have signed a supply agreement under which AESC will provide battery cells and modules for the Prevalon Energy storage platform. The partnership is expected to support over 10GWh (gigawatt-hour) of energy storage deployments over the next 3 years. (Source: AESC)

Amazon announced plans to invest $10 billion dollars in Missouri to build a data center campus in Montgomery County. (Source: Amazon, MO.gov)

EdgeMode has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the City Council of Mora for the development of the 300MW (megawatt) DC Malpica data center campus in Toledo, Spain. The City of Mora is committing €3 billion ($3.4 billion) in technology investments around the site alongside participating technology companies. (Source: EdgeMode)

Zenobē announced a £980m ($1.3 billion) financing round to support the deployment of over 1,200 electric buses and associated charging infrastructure over the next 3 years in the U.K. and Europe. (Source: Zenobē) 

SWI Group has acquired a $500 million stake in Genesis Digital Assets (GDA) and gained access to 1.3GW of energized and approved grid connections across 15 U.S. facilities. The company plans to convert GDA’s digital asset mining operations and expand its AI-ready data center portfolio to 3.6GW across North America and Europe. (Source: SWI Group)

Eos announced an exclusive supply and distribution agreement with CAPAC Energy covering Germany, Austria and Switzerland through 2031. The deal includes an initial 750MWh (megawatt-hour) capacity commitment with potential to expand to 2GWh (gigawatt-hour). (Source: Eos)

Chile’s National Energy Commission (CNE) has approved the preliminary terms for its 2026/01 power supply auction that allows energy storage systems to participate as standalone supply resources alongside generation assets. The auction includes two blocks totaling 2,835GWh per year under 15-year contracts, with supply starting in 2029 and 2030. (Source: PV Magazine)

Salt River Project (SRP) and Aypa Power announced that the 250MW/1000MWh Pediment battery energy storage system (BESS) project in Mesa, Arizona, is in operation. (Source: SRP)

Tachyon9 has signed a binding MOU with Nidar Infrastructure (parent of Yotta Data Services) for a 15-year partnership tied to the Nakota AI Data Campus. The initial phase covers a 100MW deployment with the broader site planned to scale up to 1GW. (Source: Tachyon9) 

Huy Long has signed an agreement to purchase 2,000 electric cars (EVs) from VinFast. The company plans to deploy the EVs in phases. (Source: VinGroup) 

Viridi and Budderfly have launched an initiative to deploy Viridi’s battery energy storage systems (BESS) at 100 Budderfly-managed commercial sites across the U.S. (Source: Viridi)

Wärtsilä (Finland-based) announced a 50/50 JV for its energy storage business with RCT Solutions GmbH. The JV combines Wärtsilä’s technology with RCT Solutions’ engineering capabilities and U.S. manufacturing initiative. Closing is expected in 3Q26. (Source: Wärtsilä)

Shell Recharge and SINEXCEL have signed an MOU to advance charging technologies and sustainable energy solutions. (Source: SINEXCEL)

Researchers at Sandia National Laboratories (SNL) have developed a microwave-based process that recovers and remakes battery cathodes. The method upcycles spent battery material into cathodes while reducing processing time and cost compared with conventional high-temperature techniques. (Source: SNL)

Con Edison customer, GVC, has installed 23 dual–port chargers to power 45 electric school buses to replace fossil fuel-powered buses. (Source: Con Edison of New York)

Dukosi announced a collaboration with A123 Systems and Nuvation Energy to develop a proof-of-concept BESS platform for the North American market. (Source: Dukoski) 

PMET has entered into a non-binding MOU with Mitsui and Microwave Chemical (MWCC) to jointly evaluate the application of MWCC's microwave calcination technology to produce lithium products on-site at PMET's Shaakichiuwaanaan project in Quebec. (Source: PMET)

InVert Graphite has signed binding conditional agreements to acquire RapidGraphite and its RapidPulse™ technology that has the potential to convert natural graphite into battery-grade material within seconds. (Source: InVert)

Forsee Power and Wabtec have signed an MOU to accelerate the integration of Forsee Power’s PULSE PLUS RAIL battery systems into Wabtec’s battery-electric locomotive platforms. (Source: Foresee Power)

Inspiration Mobility Group (IMG) announced the acquisition of select Electrada assets, including its team, project pipeline, charging depot development capabilities, energy management software, and intellectual property, which will become part of Inspiration Energy, IMG’s charging infrastructure and energy management business. (Source: IMG)

Rivian and ChargeScape have partnered to enroll Rivian EVs in utility managed-charging programs across North America. (Source: ChargeScape)

Renault Group has taken ownership of Flexis after acquiring the remaining stakes held by Volvo Group and CMA CGM Group. Renault will continue development of Flexis’ electric vans, including the Trafic Van E-Tech Electric and Volvo Group will remain a commercial partner with plans to market the vehicle starting in 2027. (Source: Renault Group)

ProLogium and Elysian Aircraft BV have signed an MOU to explore battery applications for aerospace. (Source: ProLogium)

Ganfeng LiEnergy (subsidiary of Ganfeng Lithium) has secured over 30GWh in cooperation intentions. (Source: Ganfeng LiEnergy)

Uber, Nuro and Lucid have selected Houston as a market for their robotaxi program after the San Francisco Bay Area launch later this year. (Source: Uber)

Stellantis, Wayve and Uber have partnered to explore deployment of Level 4 driverless robotaxis. The collaboration expands on existing partnerships between the companies, including planned autonomous ride launches in London, Tokyo and 10 other cities beginning this year. (Source: Stellantis)

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) estimates that the southern Appalachian region contains about 1.43 million metric tons of recoverable lithium oxide -- enough to replace about 201 years of U.S. imports at last year’s level. The lithium, found mainly in the Carolinas in pegmatite rocks, is detailed in a USGS study published in Natural Resources Research. (Source: USGS)

Source: CRU Group

Executive Director's Notes

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