Charge the Future

Europe’s innovative, low carbon lead battery value chain

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Charge the Future demonstrates how lead batteries and the European lead battery industry support a low carbon future

 

Europe’s bid to become climate neutral by 2050 has ushered in a period of transformation.

As the EU moves to help member states recover from the impact of COVID-19, the transition to a sustainable, low carbon economy has become imperative. The EU benefits from a strategically autonomous lead battery industry, where EU-based companies generate thousands of jobs, source sustainable raw materials, make products and recycle them - all within the EU.  

As the EU recovers from the impact of the global coronavirus pandemic, supporting EU-based industries and achieving strategic autonomy have become priorities alongside the creation of a sustainable future for all. The EU’s institutions and European industries must work hand-in-hand to deliver the transition to a low carbon economy, while boosting homegrown industries and generating green growth, new jobs and skills

Charge the Future demonstrates how lead batteries and the European lead battery industry support a low carbon future. Lead batteries are integral to essential products and services including vehicles, renewable energy storage, back-up for mobile telecoms and data centres. They are used for many other applications including industrial energy, powering forklift trucks and throughout the rail and mass transit industry.

Advanced lead batteries - made in Europe and recycled in Europe - are part of a strategically autonomous value chain which is critical to achieving a green recovery in five important areas:

Innovation

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Industrial growth

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Clean mobility

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Clean energy

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Circular economy

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The lead battery value chain is a European success story. The industry, based in the EU, supports manufacturing, skilled jobs, and innovation – while underpinning many other essential industries and services. It is fundamental to supporting the delivery of the EU’s industrial and energy transformation agendas through electrification.

The lead battery value chain is committed to investing in technology and infrastructure, training and developing people and supporting a truly sustainable future. Working together with policy-makers, industry stakeholders and civil society, we will Charge the Future and support the green recovery and a just transition to a low carbon, innovative and high growth Europe.

We call on the EU to:

Support and promote the essential role of lead batteries in achieving a low carbon economy and as a core battery energy storage technology of the future

Recognise and showcase the lead battery value chain’s success in delivering almost 100% of all lead batteries recycled in a closed loop, exemplifying the policies of the circular economy

Ensure a level playing field for all battery technologies including lead batteries

Maintain and encourage investment in EU lead battery production, ensuring that Europe remains globally competitive

Back ongoing research and innovation in lead battery technology in Europe’s successful, high growth, and home-grown lead battery industry

Adopt proportionate and consistent regulatory decisions based on sound risk management principles

Policy-makers and MEPs will start to review regulations and laws which have a direct impact on the lead battery industry in the coming mandate. From REACH chemicals legislation and the Batteries Directive to the End of Life Vehicles Directive, it is critical that the European Commission and the EU Parliament support the lead battery industry’s ongoing growth and development in Europe. We have developed a manifesto for batteries in Europe setting out our legislative asks here.

Did you know lead batteries are...

ESSENTIAL

  • Lead batteries connect, transport, power and protect our daily lives, supporting society and enhancing the EU economy.
  • They safeguard Europe’s communications, transportation and logistics infrastructure; they are used in over 300 million motor vehicles on Europe’s roads.

SUSTAINABLE

  • The lead battery is one of the world’s most successful examples of the circular economy in action.
  • Every year, more than 100 million used lead batteries are kept out of the EU’s waste stream by a value chain embracing circular economy principles and operating in a fully closed loop.

INNOVATIVE

  • Start-stop engine technology, made possible by advanced lead batteries, has helped to eliminate millions of tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions every year.
  • Investment and future innovation of lead battery technology are vital to the EU’s bid become climate neutral by 2050.

SAFE

  • Lead batteries are safe in diverse applications as well as being manufactured and recycled in state-of-the-art processes in industrial facilities which adhere to or aim to exceed EU legislation.
  • This legislation is some of the world’s most stringent – for occupational safety, health and environmental standards.

RELIABLE

  • Lead batteries have a proven track record of more than a century of reliability.
  • Today underpinning the success of hybrid and electric vehicles (EVs) as well as the renewable energy storage they rely on, lead batteries are integral to Europe’s transition to a low carbon economy.

COST-EFFECTIVE

  • A new lead battery produced in the EU contains more than 80% recycled lead.
  • Europe’s economically self-sustaining, closed loop lead battery value chain makes them one of the most cost-effective solutions for renewable energy storage and meeting fuel economy targets.
Contact us at +32 2 761 1653 or contact@ChargetheFuture.org

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