MAGELLAN

The three-year MAGELLAN project, which began on 01.01.2024, is led by Orano, a world leader in nuclear technology and energy solutions. With a budget of 7.5 million euros, this project brings together experts from various disciplines to design an efficient and sustainable value chain for permanent magnets (PM) containing rare earth elements (REE). The MAGELLAN consortium, comprising 15 partners from 8 EU countries, will focus on the design of new PM rotors for electric vehicle traction motors (EVTM).

Using innovative techniques such as powder injection molding (PIM), the project aims to improve assembly, motor performance and ease of disassembly at the end of the vehicle's life. In addition, MAGELLAN will strive to optimize magnet recovery and recycling to minimize the dispersion of heavy REE, avoid under-cycling and support a standardized approach to magnet recycling.

The University of Liège (ULiège) will lead Work Package 4 on the recycling of end-of-life PM magnets containing heavy REE, focusing on magnet sourcing, PM rotor disassembly, PM extraction and concentration, and output characterization and qualification. In addition, ULiège will lead two tasks in Work Package 5, aimed at validating the durability and accountability of the MAGELLAN solution for PM.

The overall objective of the MAGELLAN project is to develop and demonstrate, at TRL7 technology maturity level, an innovative and environmentally friendly solution for PM, taking advantage of functional recycling, advanced manufacturing processes and new designs for EVTM. At the same time, the project will address the environmental, social and governance (ESG) aspects associated with PM manufacturing for EVTM, focusing on financial and environmental sustainability through life-cycle assessments and responsible sourcing practices.The three-year MAGELLAN project, which began on 01.01.2024, is led by Orano, a world leader in nuclear technology and energy solutions. With a budget of 7.5 million euros, this project brings together experts from various disciplines to design an efficient and sustainable value chain for permanent magnets (PM) containing rare earth elements (REE). The MAGELLAN consortium, comprising 15 partners from 8 EU countries, will focus on the design of new PM rotors for electric vehicle traction motors (EVTM).

Using innovative techniques such as powder injection molding (PIM), the project aims to improve assembly, motor performance and ease of disassembly at the end of the vehicle's life. In addition, MAGELLAN will strive to optimize magnet recovery and recycling to minimize the dispersion of heavy REE, avoid under-cycling and support a standardized approach to magnet recycling.

The University of Liège (ULiège) will lead Work Package 4 on the recycling of end-of-life PM magnets containing heavy REE, focusing on magnet sourcing, PM rotor disassembly, PM extraction and concentration, and output characterization and qualification. In addition, ULiège will lead two tasks in Work Package 5, aimed at validating the durability and accountability of the MAGELLAN solution for PM.

The overall objective of the MAGELLAN project is to develop and demonstrate, at TRL7 technology maturity level, an innovative and environmentally friendly solution for PM, taking advantage of functional recycling, advanced manufacturing processes and new designs for EVTM. At the same time, the project will address the environmental, social and governance (ESG) aspects associated with PM manufacturing for EVTM, focusing on financial and environmental sustainability through life-cycle assessments and responsible sourcing practices.