Thinventory has partnered with meter refurbishment and recycling specialist CL Refurbishments to support the safe storage and movement of the lithium thionyl chloride batteries used in the digital monitoring hubs installed to replace traditional analogue gas and electricity devices.
The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero estimates there are around 40 million smart meters in operation since the Government mandated in 2011 that the tech should be installed in all homes in the UK.
Second generation electricity and gas meters are the industry standard for offering accurate, real-time data. Meters are not wired to the electricity supply but are fitted with a lithium thionyl chloride battery, which ensures continued operation and has a lifespan up to 15 years.
Through this partnership, Thinventory and CL Refurbishments will oversee the secure transportation and responsible end-of-life recycling of these batteries. Due to the potential risks they pose, including fire, explosion and the release of toxic or corrosive substances, the batteries require specialist handling to ensure full compliance with safety and environmental regulations.
CL Refurbishments also provides operational support to field teams including the direct supply of compliant replacement batteries to field engineers to support service continuity while meeting established safety and regulatory requirements.
The company has developed an online ADR training course for engineers, covering the safe handling, transportation and documentation of hazardous goods in accordance with ADR regulations.
CL Refurbishments also designs and manufactures specialist fire-proof transport boxes, engineered to contain and mitigate the risks associated with lithium and other hazardous batteries. These robust containment solutions provide an additional layer of protection during storage and transit, in line with relevant safety, compliance and environmental requirements.
Thinventory Chief Solutions Officer Jon Magson said, “Our partnership with CL Refurbishments addresses a critical challenge in the smart meter rollout by ensuring the potentially hazardous batteries are handled safely and sustainably throughout their lifecycle.
“While a depleted battery has previously resulted in the entire meter being replaced, many energy providers are now replacing batteries. By leveraging our engineer ordering app combined with our nationwide network of secure lockers and supply chain expertise, we are enabling field engineers to efficiently manage battery replacements whilst protecting both people and the environment.”
Adam Williams, Director of Wolverhampton-based CL Refurbishments, said, “We are pleased to work with Thinventory to provide a partnership which can play a vital part in the next phase of the smart meter rollout programme. With more than 25 years of experience in the sector, we draw upon our expertise and systems to implement changes to facilitate a smoother and safer transition which benefits the environment.”
