Sortbat Belgium acquires Høyenergi Norway for the sustainable management of large end-of-life batteries ​ 

April 9, 2025 - Sortbat, a subsidiary of Bebat, acquires Høyenergi, a subsidiary of Batteriretur, to strengthen Belgium and Norway’s leadership in managing large batteries, including those from electric vehicles (EVs), maritime applications and energy storage systems (BESS). This acquisition anticipates the surge of end-of-life batteries across Europe, while already addressing the immediate challenge in Norway, a frontrunner in EV adoption.

A fully integrated solution for high-energy battery management 

As the market for large batteries grows rapidly Sortbat and Høyenergi are developing a complete, safe and scalable solution for handling high-energy and high-voltage batteries. This includes small household energy storage systems (ESS) weighing 30 kg, EV batteries of several hundred kg, and industrial energy storage batteries (BESS) weighing several tons. ​ 

With five years of experience ahead of the rest of Europe, Høyenergi has developed specialized expertise in handling large and critical batteries. Its in-depth knowledge of battery safety, dismantling techniques and operational processes complements the advanced sorting and management capabilities of its Belgian counterpart, Sortbat. With innovative tools, such as software platforms for dismantling adapted to all brands and solutions for discharging and diagnosing the health status of battery modules, Høyenergi is extending the partnership’s action towards the reuse of batteries. ​ 

Together, they will provide a state-of-the art, end-to-end battery lifecycle solution that includes: ​ 

A market-driven initiative to prepare for the future ​ 

Peter Coonen, CEO of Bebat, emphasizes: « Today, secure and integrated end-of-life battery solutions are extremely rare, if not entirely absent from the market. That is why Bebat is taking the lead with a temporary yet essential solution, bridging the gap until the expected surge in the end-of-life (EOL) electric vehicle battery market by 2035. It is crucial that a robust solution is in place by then, but waiting is not an option. This acquisition allows us to act now, building expertise and ensuring a safe, scalable solution for the future. » 

Marcus Sandholmen, CEO of Høyenergi: « In Norway, more than 90% of new cars sold are electric, meaning that the first generation of EV’s is already reaching its end of their life phase today. Partnering with Sortbat, a leader in its field, is a strategic move to develop sustainable solutions across Europe. Together with Bebat, we are establishing R&D facilities and training programs for technicians to ensure the safe and responsible management of today’s and tomorrow’s batteries. »  

« The collaboration between Batteriretur, Sortbat, and Bebat sets a new standard for how we can address the environmental challenges related to used batteries. Through their joint efforts, they demonstrate how international cooperation can create innovative solutions, reduce environmental impact, and help make the circular economy a reality. This acquisition is nothing less than a milestone for both the industry and the environment—a shining example of what we can achieve when we work together for a sustainable future. This collaboration will make us stronger, ultimately benefiting our customers. » concluded Tor Henrik Svendsen, CEO of Batteriretur.

A booming global market and the need for circular solutions 

The global battery market, valued at over $250 billion, has been growing at an annual rate of 16% since 2016. The EV battery market, in particular, is expanding at an impressive 46% per year. This rapid growth brings critical challenges for their end-of-life management. ​ 

The acquisition of Høyenergi by Sortbat aims to develop innovative solutions for the management, reuse and recycling of batteries – key components of a sustainable circular economy. Essential raw materials such as lithium, cobalt or nickel, are becoming increasingly scarce in Europe, yet they are vital for producing not only batteries but also smartphones, laptops, and other electronics. ​ 

Optimizing battery material recovery will reduce dependency on primary resources and strengthen Europe’s position in the global supply chain. 

Investing in the future of battery circularity  

This acquisition represents a major step forward in the circular economy of large batteries for our country. By anticipating future processing needs, Bebat and Batteriretur, the two management organisations, and Sortbat and Høyenergi, the two operating companies, are positioning Belgium and Norway as leaders in sustainable electromobility and energy storage solutions. ​ 

With dedicated R&D facilities, specialised training programs and battery lifecycle management centers, this collaboration will not only build industry expertise but also ensure safe battery management at every stage of their lifecycle. 

Daniel Chéret, CEO of Sortbat : « Norway is truly a pioneer in the management of large batteries, and this acquisition of Høyenergi allows us to position Belgium on the international stage in this booming sector. We are acting today to ensure we are fully prepared when the wave of end-of-life batteries from the Belgian market reaches its peak. By joining forces, we are strengthening our expertise to tackle this major challenge, providing a secure and transparent solution and actively contributing to the circular economy of tomorrow’s batteries. » 

About Sortbat 

Founded in 2010, Sortbat is Europe’s leading specialist and pioneer in the secure treatment of all types of used batteries. With state-of-the-art infrastructure, it sorts batteries by chemical composition and prepares them for reuse or recycling. ​ To date, Sortbat has sorted more than a billion batteries.  

Sortbat also facilitates the reuse of batteries by dismantling, safety checking and reconditioning large vehicle batteries, whether damaged or in good condition. With its innovative approach, Sortbat actively participates in the transition to a more sustainable environment, by optimizing the sorting and processing of batteries and thus promoting the circular economy.  

Sortbat becomes the majority shareholder of Høyenergi with 60% of the shares.  

About Bebat ​ 

Founded in 1995, Bebat is the organization responsible for the collection, sorting, recycling and reuse of batteries in Belgium. As a non-profit organization (asbl), Bebat supports the circular economy and the energy transition by managing end-of-life batteries. Created by battery producers, Bebat enables companies to fulfil their legal take-back obligation.  

With over 25 000 collection points across the country, Bebat offers free access to drop off used batteries. In 2024, the organisation collected over 4 000 tonnes of batteries. Bebat stands out for its technical expertise, offering solutions tailored to every type of battery, from small button cells to large industrial and electric vehicle (EV) batteries. Thanks to its commitment to sustainability, Bebat is among the world leaders in battery recycling.  

Bebat now owns 20% of Høyenergi.  

About Høyenergi 

In 2012, AS Batteriretur established a partnership—currently with Høyenergi AS—to manage batteries from electric vehicles and the maritime sector. The goal was to facilitate the collection, handling, and recycling of high-energy batteries in Norway. 

Since its inception, the company has developed unique expertise in logistics, discharging, dismantling, and recycling of high-energy batteries. We work closely with car manufacturers and Norwegian car importers, which has given the company a strong market position. Today, we are among the leading players in Europe in our industry. 

About Batteriretur ​ 

Batteriretur is a leading Norwegian certified recycling company that has specialized in the collection and recycling of all types of batteries across the country, from south to north, since 1993. 

Over three decades, Batteriretur has developed safe and efficient solutions for battery collection. Additionally, the company has developed world-leading solutions for the safe handling, disassembly, reuse, and recycling of batteries from electric vehicles through its subsidiary, Høyenergi AS as subsidiary created in 2014. 

The company collaborates with partners to facilitate the safe and efficient collection of high-energy batteries, with a focus on safety, environmental impact, and economic efficiency. 

Batteriretur now owns 20% of the shares of Høyenergi.