Which countries supply lithium batteries to South Africa?

China, having established battery storage manufacturing facilities, has been the primary supplier of lithium cells and batteries to South Africa between 2019 and 2022. South Africa’s transition from coal-dominated electricity generation to renewable energy sources such as wind and solar presents an opportunity to increase battery pack imports.

Is South Africa ready to dispose of lithium batteries?

There are virtually no disposal facilities locally and regulations around the disposal of lithium batteries are very rudimentary.” In short, South Africa is ill-prepared to deal with the recycling of millions of batteries that will reach end of life in the coming years.

Is South Africa ill-prepared to deal with battery recycling?

In short, South Africa is ill-prepared to deal with the recycling of millions of batteries that will reach end of life in the coming years. “As lithium batteries reach end of life, or are vandalised at cellphone tower sites, disposal becomes a real problem.

What are the different types of lithium-ion backup batteries available in South Africa?

There are effectively two primary types of lithium-ion backup batteries available in South Africa — lithium iron phosphate (LFP or LiFePO4) and lithium-nickel-manganese-cobalt-oxide (Li-NMC) batteries. Both technologies offer similar performance, with only slight differences between the two.

Are lithium-ion batteries recyclable in Africa?

While the recycling of lithium-ion batteries in Africa remains almost absent, the Nigerian recycler Hinckley and the Dutch company Closing the Loop organized the collection, packaging and shipment of 5 metric tons of lithium-ion batteries from Nigeria to Belgium for recycling in 2020, less than 0.005% of the total used batteries in circulation.

Can a lithium battery be packed with equipment?

No, Section I of PI 966 (and also PI 969) allows two methods of having lithium batteries packed with equipment. Either: UN specification packaging meeting Packing Group II performance standards. In either case what is presented for transport is a “package” and not an overpack. BB.