EBRD Green - Battery Recycling Circular Economy Support Poland
Enriched International · Found: 2026-03-11 10:49
EBRD support for circular economy battery recycling initiatives in Poland. Elemental Battery Metals secured 1 billion zloty (EUR 240 million) and Ascend Elements offered up to USD 320 million for battery recycling facilities, illustrating major circular economy investment.
Funding Details
- Funder
- European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD)
- Funding Goal
- To support circular economy and green transition projects, specifically battery recycling and catalyst processing facilities that recover valuable materials from end-of-life products, contributing to EU circular economy goals.
- Funding Amount
- In this case study: initial €25 million debt (2020), then €120 million financing package (2023) including US$75 million equity investment and €52 million long-term loan. EBRD financing amounts vary significantly by project. (25.000.000 € – 120.000.000 €)
- How to Apply
- The EBRD does not operate traditional open calls for proposals. Instead, it works through direct engagement with companies and projects. Potential clients can approach the EBRD through its regional offices or banking teams. The EBRD evaluates projects based on transition impact, sound banking principles, and additionality. Projects must demonstrate environmental and social sustainability alignment. There is no standard application form — interested parties typically initiate contact with relevant EBRD sector teams.
- Target Region
- Poland (EU)
- Last Checked
- 2026-03-12 03:46
Application Checklist
Eligibility
Required Documents
Constraints
Summary
This page is a case study from the EBRD Green initiative showcasing the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development's investment in Elemental Holding, a Polish recycling company. The EBRD provided financing to support the development of an innovative battery and catalyst recycling facility in Poland — the first of its kind in the EU to combine electric vehicle (EV) battery recycling with spent auto catalyst processing. The financing came in two stages: an initial €25 million debt facility in 2020, followed by a €120 million package in 2023 that included a US$75 million equity investment and a €52 million long-term loan, co-financed with the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and the Polish Development Fund. The facility targets processing approximately 4,000 tons of lithium-ion batteries annually, representing roughly 8% of European lithium-ion waste, with a 90% recycling rate. This is not an open grant program or call for proposals. It is a specific EBRD investment documented as a case study under the EBRD Green umbrella. The EBRD operates as a development bank providing debt, equity, and blended finance to projects that demonstrate transition impact and environmental sustainability. Companies seeking EBRD financing must engage directly with the bank's sector teams rather than responding to open calls.
Historical Context
The EBRD provided initial €25 million debt financing to Elemental Holding in 2020, followed by a larger €120 million financing package in 2023 that included co-financing from the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and Polish Development Fund. This is presented as a case study under the EBRD Green initiative.
Why it was added
Baltic government waste/CE program
Sources
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