Summary
In October 2017, the EU launched the European Battery Alliance to build up battery technology and production capacity in the EU to match the expected batteries demand from the energy transition.
In December 2020, the European Commission proposed a new Batteries Regulation. Considered as a blueprint for future EU product legislation, it aims to ensure only safe & sustainable batteries are placed on the EU market.
+1000%
metals demand increase for batteries by 2050 globally
14x
expected global li-on battery demand by 2030
Why it’s important
The EU Green Deal will require a range of battery metals in higher volumes. Europe must take action to secure a sustainable materials supply from both primary and secondary sources, combining domestic investment with a global trade agenda. The EU’s battery agenda must incentivize new investment while setting a proportionate legislative framework allowing European businesses to achieve high standards of sustainability within a level playing field.
What we are seeking
Regulatory coherence with the existing & upcoming policies is essential to secure competitive European battery value chains. In particular, the EU should:
- Leverage internationally recognized due diligence standards
- Promote & ensure safe use of hazardous substances in batteries through a risk-based approach
- Incentivise investment into safe and efficient recycling of metals in batteries.