USW and Dragon RS launch £197K research partnership to revolutionise battery recycling with smart technology

The University of South Wales (USW) is leading a Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) with a specialist business on a major research project to transform recycling through cutting-edge technology.

The team, led by Dr. Nildo Costa, has been awarded £197,600 to support the development of a recycling plant for spent batteries, used in electricity and gas meters, from the utilities industry. It will support Tredegar-based Dragon Recycling Solutions to develop intelligent systems to enhance the company’s processes.

Dragon RS provides specialist recycling solutions to, amongst others, the utility industry. One of its challenges is the accumulation of large amounts of batteries used in the meters. This KTP aims to help Dragon RS address this challenge and develop systems which will allow recycling and recovery of raw materials from these spent batteries.

This is one of several examples of a partnership between USW and an industrial partner, who work together to solve major business and environmental challenges.

The 24-month project will be the first step in creating a Battery Recycling Centre of Excellence at the Dragon RS base. This will cement the company’s reputation as a leading name in the sector and support the creation of highly-skilled roles which will bring both economic and social benefits to the local community.

Sarah Jeremiah, External Engagement Manager (Development) at USW, explained how the project will work.

“Dr Sheikh Rehman, the KTP Associate, will be based within Dragon RS and will lead the technical development of the project,” she said.

“As the principal investigator on this project, Dr Costa will ensure knowledge transfer from the University to the company via the associate. Supported by USW academics, Dr Rehman will apply his research to real-world challenges, drive the design and implementation of smart systems, and ensure that this knowledge is embedded and sustained within the company.

“More than the KTP being just a technical project, it will also provide a strategic move towards boosting regional innovation and job creation, strengthening industry-academic collaboration, and contributing to the circular economy and environmental sustainability.

“We’re proud to be part of a partnership that not only supports business growth but also aligns with broader goals around sustainability and technological advancement.”

Beth Bysouth, of Dragon RS, said: “Working with the University of South Wales will help Dragon RS in its development as a partner of choice for the sector.

“Through our current operations, we hold more than 250,000 lithium thionyl chloride batteries, and have committed significant funds to the building of an innovative facility for recycling and recovery of critical raw materials from those batteries.

“The KTP will help the transfer of critical knowledge from USW to our Centre of Excellence at Dragon RS, which will allow us to expand our operation into the recovery of battery raw materials from within the UK and across Europe.”

KTPs are a UK Government-backed programme which connects forward-thinking businesses with academic institutions to drive innovation. It’s a three-way collaboration involving the company’s business partner, academics at the University, and a KTP Associate, who is a graduate or postgraduate. The Associate delivers the project within the business and facilitates knowledge transfer between the University and the business. The academics in this project are members of the USW’s Sustainable Environment Research and Innovation Group (SERC-RIG).

The Welsh Government supports Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTPs) by co-funding strategic collaborations between businesses and academic institutions, enabling companies—especially SMEs—to access expertise, recruit graduates, and claim up to 75% of project costs to boost innovation, productivity, and competitiveness.

If you want to know more about the KTPs, please contact USW Exchange.

Below are Dr Nildo Costa and Dr Sheikh Rehman, who are working on the KTP