Nigeria - Business creation project

Décrivez votre projet en quelques mots

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 Décrivez votre projet en détail

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 Quel est le problème principal que vous essayez de résoudre ?

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 Dites-nous quels sont les principaux avantages et/ou bénéfices de l'utilisation du produit/service que vous souhaitez fournir par votre projet (au moins 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 Veuillez décrire précisément à qui s'adressera le produit/service de votre projet. Quels sont les bénéficiaires visés ?

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 Quand avez-vous commencé à travailler sur votre projet ?

10/06/2023

01.06 Combien y a-t-il de propriétaires sur votre projet en plus de vous ?

3

01.07 Parmi les autres propriétaires, combien sont des femmes ?

1

01.08 Veuillez décrire le profil des autres propriétaires de votre projet (compétences, expérience, 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 Si vous avez un site web, une page sur les médias sociaux (Facebook, Instagram, Linkedin...) ou une application, veuillez fournir le(s) lien(s) ici :

https://relithia.mydurable.com

01.10 Quel est le secteur d'activité qui décrit le mieux votre projet ?

a) Énergie (équipements, services, énergie durable et fossiles)

02.01.01 Mon projet contribue à l'objectif 'Pas de pauvreté'

7 - Tout à fait d'accord

02.01.02 Justification de la contribution de mon projet

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 Mon projet contribue à l'objectif 'Faim Zéro'

3

02.02.02 Justification de la contribution de mon projet

02.03.01 Mon projet contribue à l'objectif 'Bonne Santé et Bien Être'

4

02.03.02 Justification de la contribution de mon projet

02.04.01 Mon projet contribue à l'objectif 'Éducaiton de Qualité'

7 - Tout à fait d'accord

02.04.02 Justification de la contribution de mon projet

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 Mon projet contribue à l'objectif 'Égalité entre les Sexes'

6

02.05.02 Justification de la contribution de mon projet

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 Mon projet contribue à l'objectif 'Eau Propre et Assainissement'

7 - Tout à fait d'accord

02.06.02 Justification de la contribution de mon projet

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 Mon projet contribue à l'objectif 'Énergie Propre et Abordable'

7 - Tout à fait d'accord

02.07.02 Justification de la contribution de mon projet

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 Mon projet contribue à l'objectif 'Travail Décent et Croissance Économique'

7 - Tout à fait d'accord

02.08.02 Justification de la contribution de mon projet

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 Mon projet contribue à l'objectif 'Industrie, Innovaiton et Infrastructure'

7 - Tout à fait d'accord

02.09.02 Justification de la contribution de mon projet

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 Mon projet contribue à l'objectif 'Réduction des Inégalités'

4

02.10.02 Justification de la contribution de mon projet

02.11.01 Mon projet contribue à l'objectif 'Villes et Communautés Durables'

7 - Tout à fait d'accord

02.11.02 Justification de la contribution de mon projet

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 Mon projet contribue à l'objectif 'Consommation et Production Responsable'

4

02.12.02 Justification de la contribution de mon projet

02.13.01 Mon projet contribue à l'objectif 'Luttle contre les Changements Climatiques'

7 - Tout à fait d'accord

02.13.02 Justification de la contribution de mon projet

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 Mon projet contribue à l'objectif 'Vie Sous-Marine'

7 - Tout à fait d'accord

02.14.02 Justification de la contribution de mon projet

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 Mon projetp contribue à l'objectif 'Vie Terrestre'

7 - Tout à fait d'accord

02.15.02 Justification de la contribution de mon projet

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 Mon projet contribue à l'objectif 'Paix, Justice et Institutions Efficaces'

4

02.16.02 Justification de la contribution de mon projet

02.17.01 Mon projet contribue à l'objectif 'Parteneriats pour la Réalisation des Objectifs'

7 - Tout à fait d'accord

02.17.02 Justification de la contribution de mon projet

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 Il existe un grand nombre de clients qui utilisent déjà un produit/service très similaire à celui que nous envisageons de créer.

7 - Tout à fait d'accord

05.02 Le produit/service que nous voulons créer représente un type de produit/service entièrement nouveau

4

05.03 Le produit/service que nous voulons créer pourrait être décrit comme une nouvelle technologie

4

05.04 Le produit/service que nous voulons créer est une amélioration d'un produit ou d'un service existant

7 - Tout à fait d'accord

05.05 Le produit/service que nous voulons créer pourrait être décrit comme une extension d'une gamme de produits ou de services

7 - Tout à fait d'accord

05.06 Le produit/service que nous voulons créer répond à une demande ou à un besoin qui n'a pas été satisfait par d'autres produits/services.

7 - Tout à fait d'accord

05.07 Le produit/service que nous voulons créer est une nouvelle version d'un ancien produit/service

4

05.08 Justification de mon projet

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 Qui sont vos principaux potentiels concurrents et qu'est-ce qui vous différencie d'eux ?

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 Menez-vous des actions au sein de votre communauté pour promouvoir le rôle des femmes 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.