Going green: EU’s proposals support sustainable future for batteries

Going green: EU’s proposals support sustainable future for batteries

Commenting on the publication of the EU’s proposed new battery regulations, the International Lead Association and EUROBAT released the following statement:

The European Commission’s proposed new Batteries Regulation is an important framework for current and future investments in the European battery eco-system.

The proposals are a welcome step towards Europe’s zero carbon objectives. A range of battery technologies will be required to achieve these objectives. We agree that all batteries placed on the EU market should be more sustainable, high-performing and safe through their entire life cycle.

Europe’s lead and lead battery value chain is a successful example of strategic autonomy and the circular economy in action. Lead batteries are already the most recycled battery in the EU, with all batteries which are collected at the end of their life recycled in a closed loop.

Currently, 80% of a new lead battery made in Europe is made up of recycled materials collected in Europe. We support thousands of jobs and supply many other key industries and services with products that deliver clean energy that is the key to the European Green Deal.

The proposals properly recognises that restriction of hazardous substances in batteries should only occur where an assessment of risk to human health or the environment demonstrates that it is not adequately controlled and moreover should also take into consideration an evaluation of socio-economics. Streamlining this assessment by use of existing mechanisms in the REACH  Regulation is also welcomed and addresses our previous concerns regarding overlap and coherence between EU Regulation.

Dr. Marc Zoellner, President of EUROBAT and CEO of Hoppecke Batteries, said:

“The proposals mark an important milestone. All battery technologies and applications will be regulated by this new piece of legislation, stretching all the way from batteries in vehicles and forklift trucks to energy storage and telecommunications. European manufacturing must take a leadership role for a sustainable future, to which all battery technologies will contribute.”

Rene Schroeder, Executive-Director of EUROBAT, added:

“The Commission’s proposal has the potential to be a real gamechanger with its 360° policy approach. Sustainability and decarbonisation must go hand-in-hand with an ambitious industrial policy for batteries, as well as a comprehensive and technology-inclusive research and innovation framework.”

Advanced lead batteries – which already supply more than 70% of rechargeable battery energy storage globally – are set to play an increasingly important role supporting a low carbon future, which is why we welcome the ambition to both enhance Europe’s battery manufacturing capability and increase the amount of batteries recycled.

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

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