The first step to a circular economy for batteries in New Zealand

Our Science

01 December 2021

Batteries lie at the heart of a renewable energy future: powering electric cars, storing solar-generated electricity and much more besides. But how to tackle the problem of their limited lifespan? GNS Science Energy Future experts are on the case.

New Zealand’s objective of electrifying its transport infrastructure carries with it an environmental consequence – in the form of a growing waste stream of used rechargeable batteries. In August, GNS Science hosted a group of influencers from the energy, recycling and transport sectors along with a group of government officials. Their shared aim: to lay the foundations for a reuse and recycling path for Aotearoa New Zealand.

Creating a circular economy for batteries in New Zealand would be a big step towards a low-carbon future.

Workshop participants shared ideas about technology and industry needs and agreed on GNS’ proposed outcome-focused approach. They devised a roadmap for the next steps – apply for research and development funding to discover a non-destructive way to revitalise batteries for electric vehicles, as well as research the bigger picture of battery reuse and recycling in New Zealand.

Commercial viability will be central to these research outcomes, so industry input will be crucial. We’ve had some great feedback from the battery industry, car manufacturers and transport infrastructure agencies keen to get involved – watch this space.

John Burnell Geothermal Reservoir Modeller

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John is a numerical modeller who has over 30 years experience working on a wide range of energy related projects. His main focus is geothermal reservoir modelling, undertaking both research and consulting. He has developed models of geothermal systems throughout the world, for both consenting purposes and resource planning. He has worked on models of: Ngawha, Wairakei, Rotokawa, Rotorua, Tauhara, Kawerau, Mokai, (New Zealand), Mt Apo, Bacman (Philippines), Kakkonda, Uenotai, Sumikawa (Japan), and Luiese (Papua New Guinea). He has long-standing involvement in the resource consent process in New Zealand, both developing models to assess environmental impacts and appearing as an expert witness at consent hearings. He is able to develop new software for solving modelling problems, and is the developer of a commercially available Tough2 pre-processor. John is currently the NZ convener of the IPGT Reservoir Modelling Group, and has served on the NZ Geothermal Association Board. In addition to geothermal modelling, John has worked on models of gas reservoirs, heat exchangers, heat transfer in reformer furnaces, casting furnaces, heater design, heat transfer in coolstores, biofilm growth and electroosmotic flow

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The first step to a circular economy for batteries in New Zealand

John Burnell Geothermal Reservoir Modeller