The Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure has announced plans to establish a new company in partnership with Bee’ah, a leader in sustainability and innovation in the region, along with Lohum, the largest producer and recycler of sustainable lithium-ion battery materials in India. This initiative highlights the ministry’s strategic role in founding and guiding the company, as well as supporting the development of a comprehensive system for managing electric vehicle batteries in the UAE, which aligns with the nation’s circular economy goals and its clean energy objectives.
This project builds upon a previous collaboration between Bee’ah and Lohum, backed by the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, aimed at introducing advanced lithium-ion battery recycling technologies to the country. The facility will be established within Bee’ah’s integrated waste management complex in the Al Saj’aa area of Sharjah, equipped with state-of-the-art recycling technologies for electric vehicle batteries and other types of lithium-ion batteries, thus bolstering the country’s circular economy strategy.
The project aims to process approximately 1,500 tons of batteries by 2026, with operational capacity expected to double within three years, contributing to the development of sustainable national capabilities in this vital sector.
The partnership was announced during Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week, at the World Future Energy Summit 2026, with the goal of developing the first large-scale facility in the UAE to recycle electric vehicle batteries for reuse in “second-life” applications.
By integrating the project with a digital platform, a clear system for tracking lithium batteries will be established, from collection after their operational life to sorting and processing, leading to recycling or reuse. This will help manufacturers comply with regulatory requirements and benefit from recovery programs, while actively engaging in the circular economy.
His Excellency Engineer Sharif Al Olama, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure for Energy and Petroleum Affairs, emphasized that this partnership reflects a clear national direction towards localizing advanced solutions for electric vehicle battery management. It aims to establish a specialized facility that adheres to the highest technical and environmental standards, enhancing circular economy concepts and increasing the country’s readiness to keep up with the rapid growth in this vital sector.
He explained that the project serves as a fundamental pillar in the national pathway to solidify the UAE’s position as a global market for electric vehicles, in line with the goal of raising the proportion of electric and hybrid vehicles to 50% of the total by 2050. This initiative will aid in reducing carbon emissions in the transport sector, contribute to the development of local industrial capabilities, create sustainable economic opportunities, and address the challenges posed by end-of-life batteries within a comprehensive national framework that enhances sustainability and long-term competitiveness, while supporting the resilience of supply chains for critical battery materials, positioning the UAE as a regional hub for clean energy technologies.
Khaled Al Huraimel, CEO of Bee’ah and Vice Chairman of the Board, stated that this project naturally extends their comprehensive circular economy strategy, illustrating how sustainability unlocks new value in future industries. Through collaboration with the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure and Lohum, they are proactively addressing the lifecycle management of electric vehicle batteries at their end of life, reducing landfill dependence amid the increasing demand for electric mobility. The strategic location of the facility within their leading waste management complex underlines Bee’ah’s commitment to managing emerging waste flows and achieving the “zero waste” goal in Sharjah.
Rajat Verma, founder and CEO of Lohum, expressed pride in expanding collaboration with Bee’ah and welcomed the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure as a partner in this national initiative. Lohum’s recycling and reuse solutions are designed to maximize the remaining lifespan of lithium-ion batteries before efficiently extracting critical materials with zero waste, which not only reduces the carbon footprint but also ensures the reintegration of raw materials into supply chains. They are looking forward to establishing a world-class facility that supports the UAE’s sustainability vision and accelerates the global transition towards clean energy.
It should be noted that the facility will employ a “full cycle” recycling approach, starting from repurposing used electric vehicle batteries for second-life applications, such as energy storage systems, then safely dismantling the components for material recovery.
Using patented technology from Lohum, the facility will reclaim valuable materials including lithium, cobalt, nickel, and graphite for reintegration into the circular economy, rather than landfilling or relying on imports from international supply chains.
Studies indicate that prioritizing reuse over recycling significantly contributes to reducing emissions and resource consumption linked to the production and disposal of new batteries.
With the growing demand for electric vehicles and energy storage solutions in the Middle East, this joint venture is expected to evolve into a regional hub for battery lifecycle services, further enhancing Sharjah and the UAE’s positions as leaders in waste-to-value industries.