Singapore-CEA Alliance for Research in Circular Economy (SCARCE)

Towards a Sustainable E-waste Circular Economy

Singapore CEA Alliance for Research in Circular Economy

SCARCE is a joint collaboration between NTU and the French Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission (CEA) focusing on research around waste recycling.

About Us

More about us

Singapore CEA Alliance for Research in Circular Economy (SCARCE) is a joint laboratory between NTU Singapore and the French Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission (CEA). SCARCE was launched back in 2018 with Professors Madhavi Srinivasan and Jean-Christophe P. Gabriel as its Co-Directors.

The joint venture synergizes the expertise of researchers from Singapore and France to address the recycling and recovery of materials from electrical and electronic waste (e-waste), such as discarded lithium-ion batteries and printed circuit boards. In addition, the laboratory explores advanced separation and extraction processes of e-waste which are less energy intensive and toxic as compared to current practices. The overall aim is to develop innovative and energy efficient solutions to recycle and recover e-waste.

Research Focus

The research focus of SCARCE is directed towards the developments of innovative and environment-friendly solutions for the treatment and recycling of challenging waste streams such as e-waste, and exploring novel methods to recover and/or utilise these resources.

Scientist showing a battery used for their research

Recycling of Lithium Ion Batteries

Developing safe, efficient and flexible closed loop LIB waste management solutions for end of life LIB from electronic (e-waste) such as portable electronics, Electric vehicles (EV) and stationary energy storage applications.

Recycling of Silicon Solar Panels

Developing new approaches to recycle laminated solar panels by promoting safety, efficiency while closing the loop on basic materials to enable the disassembly of panel components and recovery of secondary raw materials.

Recycling and Recovery of Valuable metals from Printed Circuit Boards

Investigating new environmentally friendly techniques and evaluate their economic viability in the Singaporean specific economic context in comparison with the current pyro/hydrometallury processes.

Detoxification and Recycling of Toxic Plastics in e-Waste

Developing a new safe, efficient and flexible solutions for the detoxification and recycling of WEEE plastics to promote a closed resource loop; focusing on developing novel solutions by combining mechanical / physical and chemical treatment processes.

Industry Partners & Collaboration

A shared goal between SCARCE’s partners is that research in the joint centre should involve industrial partners based either in Singapore, in France, or even better, in both countries. This ensures the existence of a complete chain of technological transfer. Various models of collaboration can be offered depending on the needs expressed by the industry.

Find out more.

At SCARCE, we have filed several patent applications or technology disclosures (TD) and are working to get more registered. SCARCE is open to collaborate through various licensing frameworks or R&D collaborations to promote access and commercialization of products and services of our Intellectual Property (IP).