The EU’s battery industry: making the European Green Deal a reality

We at EUROBAT welcome wholeheartedly the Commission’s focus on making Europe more competitive at a global scale – a critical business consideration for automotive and industrial battery manufacturers. However, if the long-term strategy for Europe’s industrial future is to be a success – underpinned by the European Green Deal – it will require a more expansive and inclusive strategy for our industry.

One size does not fit all when it comes to battery electro-chemistry. We need to support a broad mix of battery technologies, each with their different strengths and capabilities, if we are to reach climate neutrality by 2050. Realising a sustainable, competitive and just transition towards a climate-neutral and circular economy demands a sound EU industrial policy which embraces all battery technologies.

Our economy, and even society at large, relies on lead, lithium, nickel and sodium-based batteries supporting everything from hybrid and electric vehicles to renewable energy storage, from telecommunication centres to forklift trucks. A key question is how we can make sure that all battery technologies are able to contribute to the low-carbon transition. As a minimum this requires a policy framework that treats all sustainable battery technologies equally.

Our manifesto outlines concrete policy recommendations to this end. In Europe we already have a successful home-grown lead battery industry where we see a mature manufacturing base that needs the support of a clear strategic framework in the face of global competition. That is why we launched the Charge the Future campaign, highlighting how advanced lead batteries help power the transition to a climate-neutral future.

So as the new Commission enters into office, the European Parliament will be critical in helping realise a robust EU industrial strategy that sets the stage for sectoral strategies.

Our industry is a key partner in achieving a new European Green Deal and policy makers and legislators will need to work closely with us to achieve our collective goals.