BESS Treatment: Explained

Introduction

As battery energy storage systems (BESS) become vital to the UK’s low-carbon energy transition, their long-term management is gaining attention. While BESS units provide critical functions like balancing electricity supply and demand, they eventually degrade over time. That’s where BESS treatment comes in, ensuring batteries are managed safely and sustainably once they reach the end of their operational life.

BESS treatment refers to the strategies used to process used or ageing battery systems. This includes three main pathways: recycling, repurposing, and, if neither is viable, disposal. Proper treatment not only protects the environment but also recovers valuable materials, complies with UK regulations, and contributes to a circular economy.

What Is BESS Treatment?

BESS treatment is the systematic handling of battery systems when they can no longer perform at their original capacity. It ensures these batteries are responsibly processed to avoid waste, environmental damage, and safety hazards. The three treatment options are interconnected batteries may first be assessed for reuse, and if unsuitable, sent for recycling or disposal.

This process is particularly important as the UK expands renewable energy infrastructure. Thousands of tonnes of lithium-ion batteries will reach end-of-life in the coming years. Without a clear treatment pathway, these could pose risks to public health, environmental safety, and resource supply chains.

Recycling: Recovering Valuable Materials

The most common and sustainable option in BESS treatment is recycling. After removal from service, batteries are collected, categorised by chemistry, and mechanically dismantled. They are then processed using chemical techniques to extract critical metals such as lithium, cobalt, and nickel.

These recovered materials are cleaned and reused to manufacture new batteries, reducing the need for environmentally destructive mining. In the UK, companies handling this process must be registered as Approved Battery Treatment Operators (ABTOs).

Recycling not only conserves resources but also complies with the Waste Batteries and Accumulators Regulations 2009, which require battery producers to ensure take-back and proper treatment. With the upcoming EU Battery Regulation influencing global supply chains, recycling will become an even greater priority for UK-based battery firms.

Repurposing: Giving Batteries a Second Life

Not all batteries reaching end-of-life are ready for recycling. Many still hold up to 80% of their original capacity. Through repurposing, these batteries are assessed, tested, and adapted for less demanding uses, like residential energy storage, off-grid solar, or backup power.

Repurposing extends battery life by several years, reducing environmental impact and offering financial returns. It’s also key in rural electrification and decarbonising smaller systems where new batteries may be too costly.

While safety checks and reconfiguration are necessary, repurposing is increasingly popular among developers seeking circular solutions. Several UK companies now offer second-life BESS units as a cost-effective alternative to new systems.

Why Is BESS Treatment So Important?

Proper BESS treatment supports sustainability, safety, and economic efficiency. With more grid-scale battery projects being commissioned across the UK, ensuring each system has a defined end-of-life plan is essential.

Treatment strategies also:

• Prevent environmental contamination

• Recover scarce and expensive materials

• Support regulatory compliance

• Reduce the carbon footprint of new battery production

• Create jobs in recycling and clean tech sectors

Moreover, integrating BESS treatment planning at the project design stage can help reduce costs later and ensure smoother decommissioning when batteries are retired.

Regulations and Responsibilities

Under UK law, battery producers must fund the collection and treatment of batteries at end-of-life. Facilities involved in BESS treatment, especially recycling, must be properly licensed. The Waste Batteries and Accumulators Regulations 2009 lay out these responsibilities in detail.

While the UK has diverged from EU law, many domestic manufacturers still adhere to the EU Battery Regulation (2023/1542) due to exports. This regulation imposes tighter recycling targets, labelling requirements, and minimum recycled content in new batteries all of which influence UK practices.

Conclusion

BESS treatment plays a vital role in the responsible growth of battery storage technology in the UK. Whether through recycling to recover materials, repurposing for second-life use, or safe disposal, managing battery end-of-life properly helps protect the environment, reduce costs, and support the clean energy transition.

As demand for energy storage increases, so too will the need for effective treatment pathways. Early planning, regulatory compliance, and investment in recycling infrastructure will be key to managing the thousands of battery systems deployed across the country.