All electro chemistries have an important role in the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions

All battery technologies will be needed to ensure a fossil-free transport sector by 2050.

The European Commission announced with the EU Green Deal last year, the aim for a decarbonised society by 2050 with an important milestone in 2030 to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the EU by 55%.

To decarbonise transport is to move away from fossil fuels and move towards batteries. In order to achieve the 2050 goals, EUROBAT advocates to embrace the full mix of battery technologies to meet future market demand, estimated to be three times today’s market by volume in 2030. Doing this will provide Europe with strategic advantages in terms of competitiveness and self-sufficiency in material sourcing and manufacturing.

EUROBAT’s recent white paper, ‘Battery Innovation Roadmap 2030’ states that all electro chemistries have an innovation potential – all batteries play a role in decarbonising Europe. We would like our efforts to be recognised by the next framework outlined by the European Commission.

I recently presented at a virtual meeting of the European Forum for Manufacturing, on ‘Green Deal & Electromobility’. Several salient points were raised. One was that the decarbonisation of the transport sector should not be excluded while the EU works to become carbon neutral by 2050.

A range of technologies and chemistries will be needed to decarbonise the transport sector. The EU needs to create a comprehensive policy framework that will take into consideration all technological developments.

In order to achieve the goals outlined in the EU Green Deal, the European battery industry already offers a wide range of battery solutions covering the automotive, stationary, utility and non-automotive transportation sector. Start-stop engine technology, made possible by advanced lead batteries, has already helped to eliminate millions of tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions every year. We continue to invest and to innovate.

Different electro-chemistries can complement each other with their specific advantages and development needs. There are a range of mobility solutions available. We should combine all the instruments we have and use this array of technologies to achieve a low carbon transport future.

Another salient point raised at the Forum, was that working to decarbonise the transport sector should not come at the cost of employment. The employment opportunities currently offered by the automotive sector need to be acknowledged and supported by the European Commission. What is equally important to the capacity of production is the capability to integrate the cell electrochemistry into an innovative system solution, which is a reliable and safe energy storage system tailored to each individual application. This will secure the competitiveness of our skilled workforce in Europe.

Europe’s lead battery manufacturing sector alone employs more than 20,000 people across 15 member states, and many more through the value chain. The automotive sector currently provides direct and indirect jobs to 14.6 million Europeans, representing 6.7% of total EU employment.

We need to rely on the technological developments in the industry, recognise and utilise our existing workforce, be realistic in terms of technologies, and use what we already have in this position.

Read more for why more needs to be done for lead batteries.

Read more from EUROBAT and its members at the  European Forum for Manufacturing:

• Rene Schroeder, EUROBAT on why accelerated demand for today’s key battery technologies will drive market growth needed for Green Deal achievements by 2030.
• Karsten Kurz, Exide Technologies on why a considerate approach is needed for the European Commission’s Batteries Regulation 

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