Nigeria - Business creation project

Describe your project or startup in a few words

Relithia Energy, a pioneering startup, seeks to revolutionize battery recycling across Africa. Our mission is twofold: first, to collect spent lithium batteries; second, to reintroduce them into the supply chain, manufacturing sustainable prismatic cells.

01.01 Describe your project in more detail

Relithia Energy emerged from a collaborative research project among engineering colleagues. Now, as a startup, our mission is clear: to champion sustainability across Africa. We achieve this by collecting spent lithium batteries from electronic waste and recycling them. Our ultimate goal: To start with recycling and later transition to manufacture prismatic lithium batteries, powering clean energy sources across the continent.

01.02 What is the main problem you are trying to solve?

Relithia Energy aims to address the escalating issue of electronic waste in Africa, particularly the improper disposal of lithium-ion batteries from mobile phones and laptops. These batteries contain hazardous materials that, if not managed correctly, can lead to significant environmental pollution and health risks. Additionally, the current reliance on mining for raw lithium materials is unsustainable and contributes to substantial carbon emissions. Our goal is to create a sustainable, efficient recycling process that recovers valuable materials from spent batteries, reduces environmental impact, and reintroduces these materials into the supply chain. By doing so, we aim to minimize the need for mining, decrease electronic waste, and promote a circular economy in Africa, ultimately contributing to a cleaner environment and more sustainable resource management.

01.03 Tell us the major benefits and/or advantages of using the product/service that your project intends to provide (at least 3).

1. Environmental Impact: Our recycling process will significantly reduce electronic waste and prevent harmful materials from ending up in landfills. 2. Resource Conservation: Our approach will minimize the need for new mineral extraction. By regenerating raw materials for Lithium battery production, we conserve valuable resources and reduce carbon footprint. 3. Strategic Geographic Advantage: Operating in Africa, where raw materials abound, positions us uniquely. We tap into local resources, driving economic growth while promoting sustainability.

01.04 Please describe who exactly your project is aimed at serving. Who are the targeted beneficiaries?

Our project aims to serve multiple stakeholders across Africa and beyond, delivering far-reaching economic, environmental, and social benefits: 1. Local Communities: Our project directly targets and serve communities grappling with electronic waste disposal challenges. 2. Unemployed Youth and Graduates: We are committed to upskilling and empowering Africa's youth and graduates, providing them with meaningful careers that contribute to the continent's sustainable development. 3. Renewable Energy Sector: We aim to serve and support the growth of renewable sectors providing them with locally sourced and high-efficiency lithium cells for their energy storage needs 4. Manufacturing and Automotive Industries: By offering a reliable supply of ultra-pure recycled metals, compounds, and alloys, our recycled metals will serves as a valuable resource for various manufacturing and automotive industries. 5. African Nations and Governments: Our goals aligns perfectly with these bodies.

01.05 When did you start working on your project?

2023-06-10

01.06 How many other partners are associated with your business venture?

3

01.07 Among the other partners, how many are female?

1

01.08 Please describe the profile of each of the other partners (skills, experience, etc.)

1. Hendrick Tafadwa Chikwanha (co-Founder) Profile: - African Federation of Engineering Fellow - International Association of Engineers member number 172960 - American Institute of Chemical Engineers member - Zimbabwe Institute of Engineers member number 165973 - Young African Leadership Fellow -Young Miners Foundation in Zimbabwe Fellow - The Minerals, Metals and Materials Society Committee member of the Recycling and Environmental Technologies - Chemical Engineer intern at Delta Beverages in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe from July 2017 to July 2018. - Certifications on courses which includes Problem-Based Mega projects: Complex Problem-Solving Competences, Skills for Engineering a Safer World, Making Engineering Appealing to the next generation, addressing complex engineering projects in Integrated Design projects and final year projects with World Federation of Engineer 2. Olaoluwa John Adeleke profile: -Electrical Engineer - Automation Technician -Researcher .....

01.09 If you have a website, a social media page (Facebook, Instagram, Linkedin…), or app, please provide the link here:

https://relithia.mydurable.com

01.10 Which industry best describes your project?

a) Energy (equipment, services, sustainable energy and fuel)

02.01.01 My project contributes to the No poverty goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.01.02 No poverty - Justification

Relithia contributes to the NO POVERTY goal by creating employments with competitive offers in the sustainable industry and offering clean and cheap energy that drives businesses and contributes to economy growths

02.02.01 My project contributes to the Zero hunger goal

3

02.02.02 Zero hunger - Justification

02.03.01 My project contributes to the Good health and well-being goal

4

02.03.02 Good health and well-being - Justification

02.04.01 My project contributes to the Quality education goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.04.02 Quality education - Justification

One of our missions is to collaborate with universities and technical institutions to foster research and development in battery recycling and manufacturing technologies. These partnerships will enable students and researchers to engage in cutting-edge projects, facilitating knowledge exchange and innovation. To further support educational advancement, part of our missions is to offer schemes which will allow access to scholarships and related benefits for students pursuing studies in environmental sciences, engineering, and related field

02.05.01 My project contributes to the Gender equality goal

6

02.05.02 Gender equality - Justification

At Relithia Energy, we are committed to promoting gender equality as a foundational principle of our startup. We believe that diverse and inclusive teams drive innovation and success, especially in tackling environmental challenges like electronic waste recycling. Our efforts, though in the early stages, reflect a strong commitment to creating equal opportunities for all genders. 1. Inclusive Hiring Practices: We aim to establish recruitment processes that ensure equal opportunities for all genders. 2. Training and Development: As we grow bigger, we plan to invest in training and development programs that empower all employees, particularly women and underrepresented groups, to develop their skills and advance their careers. 3. Advocacy and Awareness: As part of our community outreach efforts, we will promote the importance of gender equality in the workplace and the renewable energy sector.

02.06.01 My project contributes to the Clean water and sanitation goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.06.02 Clean water and sanitation - Justification

Relithia Energy’s mission to recycle lithium-ion batteries from end-of-life electronics directly supports the goal of Clean Water and Sanitation by preventing hazardous waste from contaminating water sources. As you may know, the improper disposal of electronic wastes and lithium-ion batteries leads to the release of toxic substances into soil and water. By locally sourcing this electronics wastes and end-of-life batteries and establishing initiatives to encourage proper disposal of electronics wastes in established collection centers, we can ensure that these batteries are safely and responsibly processed, preventing harmful chemicals from polluting water bodies.

02.07.01 My project contributes to the Affordable and clean energy goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.07.02 Affordable and clean energy - Justification

Relithia Energy’s core focus on recycling lithium-ion batteries directly aligns with the goal of Affordable and Clean Energy by providing a sustainable source of materials for energy storage solutions. Our process involves recovering valuable materials from spent batteries, which reduces the need for mining, and lowers the overall cost of battery production. This makes energy storage solutions more affordable.

02.08.01 My project contributes to the Decent work and economic growth

7 - Strongly Agree

02.08.02 Decent work and economic growth - Justification

Our will mission to recycle lithium-ion batteries significantly contributes to the goal of Decent Work and Economic Growth by creating sustainable employment opportunities and promoting economic development in regions where we operate, particularly in Nigeria and Zimbabwe. By establishing recycling facilities, we will create numerous job opportunities across various skill levels. These jobs range from technical roles in recycling operations to administrative, logistical, and managerial positions. This not only provides stable employment but also enhances the local workforce's skillset through training and development programs. Our project stimulates local economies by sourcing spent batteries from the community and selling the recovered materials back into the supply chain. This creates a circular economy that maximizes resource utilization and minimizes waste. By reducing the dependence on imported raw materials and fostering local industry, we support economic resilience and growth

02.09.01 My project contributes to the Industry innovation and infrastructure

7 - Strongly Agree

02.09.02 Industry innovation and infrastructure - Justification

Our adopted hybrid recycling process, which combines hydrometallurgy and low-temperature pyrometallurgy, represents a significant technological approach. This innovative approach allows for efficient recovery of valuable materials from various types of lithium-ion batteries, setting a new standard in the recycling industry. Infrastructure Development: By establishing state-of-the-art recycling facilities in Nigeria and other African countries, we are contributing to the development of robust industrial infrastructure. These facilities will be designed to be scalable and adaptable, supporting future growth and technological advancements in the region.

02.10.01 My project contributes to the Reduced inequalities goal

4

02.10.02 Reduced inequalities - Justification

02.11.01 My project contributes to the Sustainable cities and communities goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.11.02 Sustainable cities and communities - Justification

Relithia Energy’s efforts to recycle end-of-life lithium-ion batteries contribute significantly to creating Sustainable Cities and Communities. Environmental Impact: By preventing electronic waste from ending up in landfills, we reduce pollution and the environmental hazards associated with improper disposal which can contributes to cleaner and healthier urban environments.

02.12.01 My project contributes to the Responsible consumption and production goal

4

02.12.02 Responsible consumption and production - Justification

02.13.01 My project contributes to the Climate action goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.13.02 Climate action - Justification

Our recycling efforts will promote the sustainable management of resources, ensuring that materials are reused rather than discarded. This reduces environmental degradation and supports the conservation of natural resources. Our approach will also further reduce the need for mining and processing raw materials, both of which are energy-intensive and have significant carbon footprints, this helps lower greenhouse gas emissions associated with battery production.

02.14.01 My project contributes to the Life below water goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.14.02 Life below water - Justification

Relithia Energy’s recycling initiatives have a direct positive impact on the goal of Life Below Water by preventing the contamination of water bodies with hazardous materials from improperly disposed lithium-ion batteries. Preventing Marine Pollution: Improper disposal of electronic waste can lead to the leaching of toxic substances into waterways, eventually reaching oceans and harming marine life. Our responsible recycling practices ensure that these hazardous materials are safely processed and do not pollute water bodies.

02.15.01 My project contributes to the Life on land goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.15.02 Life on land - Justification

We have a profound impact on the goal of Life on Land by preventing environmental degradation and promoting sustainable resource use. Improper disposal of lithium-ion batteries can lead to the leaching of harmful chemicals into the soil, which can damage ecosystems and agricultural land. Our recycling process ensures that these batteries are safely processed, preventing toxic substances from contaminating soil and harming terrestrial life. Reducing Mining Activities: By recovering valuable materials from spent batteries, we reduce the need for mining operations, which are often destructive to land ecosystems. Mining activities can lead to deforestation, habitat destruction, and soil erosion. Our recycling efforts help conserve natural habitats and protect biodiversity by minimizing the environmental footprint of raw material extraction.

02.16.01 My project contributes to the Peace justice and strong institutions goal

4

02.16.02 Peace justice and strong institutions - Justification

02.17.01 My project contributes to the Partnerships for the goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.17.02 Partnerships for the goal - Justification

Relithia Energy’s vision and operations are deeply rooted in collaboration and partnerships, essential for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Our project strengthens the means of implementation and revitalizes the global partnership for sustainable development in several key ways. - Partnerships with Educational Institutions - Collaboration with Local Governments - Industry Partnerships - International Cooperation - Resource Mobilization

05.01 There are a large number of customers who already use a product/service very similar to the product/service we envision creating.

7 - Strongly Agree

05.02 The product/service we envision creating represents an entirely new type of product/service.

4

05.03 The product/service we envision creating could be described as a new technology.

4

05.04 The product/service we envision creating is an improvement on an existing product or service.

7 - Strongly Agree

05.05 The product/service we envision creating could be described as an extension of a range of products or services.

7 - Strongly Agree

05.06 The product/service we envision creating responds to a demand or need that has not been satisfied by other products/services.

7 - Strongly Agree

05.07 The product/service we envision creating is a new version of an old product/service.

4

05.08 Justification

Our envisioned recycling service for lithium-ion batteries taps into an existing market driven by the escalating electronic waste crisis. By improving on current methods through a hybrid process of hydrometallurgy and low-temperature pyrometallurgy, we enhance efficiency and environmental sustainability. This innovative approach extends the range of available recycling solutions by addressing diverse battery chemistries, thus meeting specific needs more comprehensively. Moreover, our service responds to a critical demand for a universal recycling process, a gap not fully addressed by current technologies. By fulfilling this unmet need, Relithia Energy positions itself as a vital player in the sustainable recycling industry.

05.09 Who are your main potential competitors and what makes you stand out from them?

Li-Cycle corps: Known for its spoke and hub recycling centers. Cyclib: A new entrant in the German recycling market. WEEEcycling (Europe and limited parts of Africa): A hybrid recycling company with extensive operations in Europe. Relithia Energy's Competitive Edge: 1. Hybrid Recycling Process: While our competitors primarily use hydrometallurgy, which produces significant wastewater, Relithia Energy's unique hybrid process combines hydro with low-temperature pyrometellurgy. This approach minimizes waste production and enhances the efficiency of material recovery. By reducing environmental impact, we align better with sustainable practices, making our process more attractive to eco-conscious stakeholders. 2. Local Operations in Africa: Unlike our European competitors, Relithia Energy is based in Africa, specifically in Nigeria and will extend to other regions. Operating locally gives us several advantages like Cost-Efficiency, Market Access, Regulatory Alignment, Job creations, etc.

10.06 Are you initiating actions within your community to promote the role of female entrepreneurs?

Yes. We are currently in touch with female professionals in relevant engineering fields, offering them opportunities to collaborate with Relithia Energy. These collaborations include roles in research, development, and operational leadership within our recycling initiatives. By providing these platforms, we aim to empower women to take on significant roles in the industry.