The DOE’S Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E) is launching the Catalyzing Innovative Research for Circular Use of Long-Lived Advanced Rechargeable (CIRCULAR) program. This program aims to develop new technologies that can extend the life of new batteries and make them cheaper to produce.
The CIRCULAR Program aligns with ARPA-E’s goal to contribute to a circular economy, where resources are used effectively and thoughtfully. In a circular economy, products are repaired, reused, or recycled instead of being discarded after a single use.
This approach benefits the environment, as well as saves money and resources in the long run. One of the program’s categories, Category D, focuses on developing analysis tools to quantify the impact of the program’s advancements.
These tools will help justify the adoption of these technologies and inform new business models and opportunities. This includes the development of techno-economic, lifecycle, and circularity analysis tools.