Press Release
01 October 2019

EUROBAT urges EU to broaden support for all battery technologies

Charge the Future lead battery campaign launched to highlight EU’s battery dominance in view of Europe’s decarbonisation ambition

The EU needs to fast-track support for all battery technologies and nurture home-grown businesses if it wants to be a world leader in green technologies, according to EUROBAT, the Association of European Automotive and Industrial Battery Manufacturers.

Marc Zoellner, Chief Executive Officer of HOPPECKE and newly-appointed President of EUROBAT, is calling on the EU to back a range of battery technologies to meet the surge in demand for battery energy storage  and help achieve the European Green Deal.

EUROBAT’s leadership has launched a campaign called Charge the Future to promote the key role played by advanced lead batteries in Europe’s clean energy revolution. Market analysis by the industry predicts a surge in growth for battery energy storage, requiring a range of battery technologies capable of manufacturing at scale.

Analysts predict that demand for battery energy storage is set to jump ten times by 2050, the tentative deadline for the EU to achieve net zero carbon emissions.

Mr Zoellner said: “The battery industry employs more than 30,000 people in plants across the EU mostly working in advanced lead battery manufacturing and recycling. The EUROBAT Board and I strongly applaud the drive by new EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to develop a new industrial strategy based on circular economy principles through the European Green Deal.”

“Europe urgently needs the development of a real battery industrial strategy. In order to invest, businesses need clarity on future policy together with joined-up and consistent legislation. We already have a successful advanced lead battery value chain in the EU, batteries which are manufactured here and are fully recycled and re-used. We must grasp the opportunity to build on this foundation and strengthen our battery manufacturing capability making Europe a world-leader in green battery technologies.”

While batteries are set to power the EU’s energy transformation, developing EU-based research and manufacturing centres requires a broad range of technologies and co-operation between industry, stakeholders and the EU.

Through its Charge the Future campaign, EUROBAT is calling on legislators to fully recognise the critical role of lead batteries as part of the EU’s decarbonisation and electrification objectives.

The campaign includes several activities such as a dedicated micro-site (click here ), social media programme, blog, events and advocacy outreach.

Ends

MEDIA CONTACT:   Gert Meylemans

+32 27611653 / +32 475 5656561

gmeylemans@eurobat.org

Note to editors:
Charge the Future is a campaign by EUROBAT charting Europe’s innovative, low carbon lead battery value chain. The campaign identifies how Europe’s bid to become carbon neutral by 2050 is supported by lead batteries, specifically through delivering clean mobility, clean energy and by adopting circular economy principles. The campaign also highlights Europe’s battery growth potential through innovation.

EUROBAT is the association for the European manufacturers automotive, industrial and energy storage batteries. EUROBAT has more than 50 members from across the continent comprising more than 90% of the automotive and industrial battery industry in Europe. The members and staff work with all stakeholders, such as battery users, governmental organisations and media, to develop new battery solutions in areas of hybrid and electro-mobility as well as grid flexibility and renewable energy storage.