Advancing decarbonization and battery innovation - CECE speaks at EUROBAT Forum

As CECE Sustainability Policy Manager, Mathias Amselle elaborated on CECE 4-pillar approach to decarbonising construction equipment in addition to the roadmap set out as part of the CO2TF. Mathias emphasized that CECE will remain technology-neutral.

On the eve of the European parliament elections, Mr Fabian Zuleeg, from the European Policy Centre (EPC), detailed some overarching prospects regarding the institutional developments over the next five years while hypothesizing that states’ economic intervention is likely to remain tangible in view of the turbulent geopolitical context, hence nicknamed ‘Permapolycrisis’.

During the first panel discussion on Pioneering ‎Innovation, Mr Christian Rosenkranz (Clarios VP for Industry and Governmental Relations EMEA) presented the latest version of EUROBAT White Paper, ‘Battery Innovation Roadmap 2035’. Regarding sustainability and circularity drivers for battery innovation as set out in the EU Batteries Regulation, the Roadmap argues that mainstream technologies are at varying levels of maturity and that the industry acknowledges the need for further innovation on all chemistries as well as R&D areas identified (e.g., design, production and information provision).

Regarding the upcoming Battery Passport, the Roadmap underlines that circular economy should be fostered by more efficient recycling and recovering of materials and smooth repurposing in less-demanding applications (second life) should be allowed. Manufacturers should receive support in their compliance efforts with the Battery Passport providing accessible and verifiable data. In conclusion, li-ion and lead-based technologies will continue dominating the European and global markets by 2035, in competition with Na-Ion RT, taking a significant portion of the market for certain applications. In terms of recommendations, EUROBAT invites policymakers to make Europe resilient by opening technological evolutions in all battery technologies, to strengthen Europe’s competitiveness, while leveling the playing field globally and to contribute to Europe’s transition to achieving a sustainable and circular economy.

On behalf of McKinsey Battery Insights, Mr Nicoló Campagnol presented a state of play of the market. Battery demand is forecast to reach 5.1 TWh by 2030, with the bulk of the demand concentrated in China (about 40%). Regarding the carbon footprint threshold of Article 8 of Batteries Regulation, Mr Campagnol argued that these carbon footprint schemes may provide an additional tailwind to EU cell suppliers.

Afterwards, Mr Alex Graf from Kumi Consulting explained the project they are carrying out on behalf of  the Commission. Kumi will assist the Commission in developing the Due Diligence Guidelines required by Article 48.5 of the EU Batteries Regulation as well as the non-legislative acts relating to the recognition of standard schemes of Article 53.

Ms Julia Poliscanova, from NGO Transport & Environment (T&E) analysed that recycling will be a catalyst for raw material supply availability in the next few years and that battery recycling is an industry that needs additional capacities. T&E notably advocates for carbon footprint requirements rewarding low-carbon materials.

Mr Alistair Davidson, Executive Director at the Consortium for Battery Innovation, emphasized the need to have a lager deployment of battery energy storage. By 2035, China, Europe and the US are forecast to hold the major part of the Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) market. Regarding NRMM, Mr Davidson presented the Aftrak project which consists of the development of a trailblazing tractor powered by solar and lead batteries. Aftrak is a micro electric tractor able to mechanise land preparation. At the end of his presentation, Mr Davidson informed the audience of the Premier Lead Battery Technical Conference of 2024 to be held in Milan, Italy from 16-19 September 2024.