Batteries made in Europe must become a strategic imperative ― underpinned by advanced lead technology ― to help meet the EU’s increasing demand for energy storage, say industry leaders.
The call came as the Consortium for Battery Innovation formally launched its EU roadmap for the industry in Brussels on June 16, after giving a sneak preview to Batteries International last month.
The roadmap, ‘Sustaining Europe’s battery powerhouse’, sets performance targets for the next wave of advanced lead batteries to be developed, manufactured and recycled in Europe.
CBI chairman Christian Rosenkranz, who is also VP of industry and governmental relations for EMEA at Clarios, told the launch the EU must create a level playing field for all battery chemistries and remain technology neutral to avoid falling behind.
“We have a real homegrown success story through the EU lead battery value chain and it’s important to protect what matters in terms of our industrial base by supporting all chemistries. If we don’t do this Europe risks falling behind, and that is something we cannot afford to do.”
Rosenkranz also called on EU policymakers to consider incentives like those available to manufacturers in the US, where tax credit schemes are used to boost domestic investment.
“We need to be more focused on boosting made in Europe if we’re to remain globally competitive,” he said.
CBI executive director Alistair Davidson, said: “Only by adopting a technology-neutral approach can Europe secure a competitive and sustainable battery ecosystem that’s fit for purpose in the coming decade.”
Advanced lead batteries ― vital in applications and industries from automotive and backup to defence and nuclear facilities ― are already developed in Europe, made in Europe and all lead batteries collected at end of life are recycled and used to make new batteries, Davidson said.
CBI said its members, including many leading battery manufacturers who attended the roadmap’s launch, had already met goals and targets set previously.
The latest roadmap, compiled by CBI’s senior technical director Matt Raiford and senior technical manager, Begum Bozkaya, sets new targets for increasing energy density and cycle life as well as better recharge capability.
Also read ‘Europe: not waving but drowning…’ ― exclusively on Batteries International.
