Energising the EU Green Deal through better battery chemicals management

Europe’s climate plans have electrification at their core but in order to unlock its potential, batteries have to be managed and regulated in the right way, explain the Cross-Industry Initiative for better regulation in chemicals management (CII)

Immediately after taking office in December 2019, the European Commission launched its ambitious Green Deal – a new growth strategy aiming to decarbonise the EU’s economy while boosting jobs and innovation on the path towards climate-neutrality by 2050.

A holistic approach is needed to achieve the Commission’s goal. Electrification is expected to play a crucial role in the clean energy transition, especially given that the transport sector accounts for a quarter of the EU’s greenhouse gas emissions.

By 2025, the production of electric vehicles in Europe is set to reach more than four million vehicles. To meet this increasing demand, a boost in the production of batteries is necessary.

According to the Commission, from 2025 onwards the EU could capture a batteries market of up to €250 billion a year, served by 10 to 20 Gigafactories. Moreover, batteries are indispensable as stationary energy storage for both renewable energy generation and emergency power supply. They are used as starter batteries in every vehicle on the road and are also necessary components of telecommunications equipment.

Several initiatives linked to the Green Deal demonstrate the Commission’s willingness to support the development of a sustainable and competitive battery value chain, starting with the interlinked Circular Economy Action Plan and Industrial Strategy. With the same goal, the Commission will propose a new regulatory framework for batteries by the end of 2020.

Full article available on Euractive HERE