EU seeks competitive edge from green batteries

(EurActiv, 10 Dec 2020) Electric car and industrial batteries sold in Europe will soon face legally binding environmental standards, the European Commission said on Thursday (10 December), as it seeks to give local producers an edge in a rapidly growing global market.

The proposed regulations aim to ensure that the increasing demand for batteries in Europe is met with green products with lower emissions and produced using recycled materials, boosting circularity and reducing pollution.

These batteries will need to be fit for repurpose, remanufacture or recycling, as well as using materials from sources that respect human rights and environmental standards.

“Batteries placed on our market, regardless of their origin, they will be sustainable,” said Commission vice president Maroš Šefčovič, who announced the proposal, which now needs approval from EU countries and the European Parliament before it becomes law.

Europe’s battery demand is set to soar this decade, with the Commission expecting a 14-fold increase by 2030, spurred mostly by the 30 million electric vehicles the EU says Europeans will be driving by 2030.

By creating the mandatory requirements for these batteries, the Commission hopes European companies can gain an edge on the global market.

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EurActiv, 10 Dec 2020: EU seeks competitive edge from green batteries