A two-part IPCEI (Important Project of C ommon European Interest) has been implemented to promote battery production in Europe, contributing to the growth, employment and competitiveness of the EU industry and economy funded by state aid: the IPCEI on Batteries with 17 participants from seven member states and the IPCEI European Battery Innovation (EuBatIn) with more than 40 participants from twelve member states. Triggering investments of up to 28 bn EUR, battery research and first industrial deployment are scaled up and made strong for global competition.

Both IPCEIs have the common goal to develop a competitive, innovative and sustainable battery value chain in the EU.  They successfully held their constituent Governance meetings in 2021, officially launching the projects, putting work into progress and shaping collaborations. External communcations has been a great focus as the projects worked on two pillars to keep the public informed: The IPCEI website (>>) has been launched and both IPCEI projects were co-organisers of the Battery Innovation Days in November 2021, filling two conference sessions with expert key note speeches and giving insights into their projects.

If you missed the Battery Innovation Days IPCEI sessions or want to follow the presentations again, you can find the recordings on Youtube>>

A functioning ecosystem not only needs innovative companies, it also depends on framework conditions that accelerate success. Due to the expansion of electric mobility, the need for qualified skilled workers will rise along the value chain of battery cell production in the coming years, both in Germany and in countries across the European Union. This was the main reason why the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK) has launched a funding scheme for the skilling of workers in the growing battery industry. The BMWK intends to support innovations, developments and qualification measures along the entire value chain for rechargeable electrochemical energy storage. The aim of this funding call is to improve networking and cooperation between the actors involved from the scientific, professional and academic communities.

We will report on the successes of this programme in the coming newsletters and in our LinkedIn Group>>

Batteries are considered a key technology for a modern, resource-efficient and competitive economy. However, this is only true if they are produced with the least possible impact on the environment, with respect for human rights, and in compliance with social and environmental standards. Legislators as well as customers and investors increasingly demand proof of sustainable production conditions. For this purpose, it is not only necessary to formulate sustainability requirements, but also to be able to measure and verify them along the entire value chain.

In order to support actors in the battery industry in formulating and fulfilling sustainability requirements, we have compiled sustainability indicators relevant for battery cell production in a short study. In addition to a brief description of the indicators, this also includes information on common units of measurement and the status of their operationalisation. In addition, we also took a look at end-of-life management in China, considering both the battery recycling measures and regulations established there and their impact on the recycling industry.

To learn more, download our study >>

Guest article by the EuBatIn Governance Facilitation Group *

The year 2021 has come to an end and we would like to take the opportunity to look back on this exciting, eventful and dynamic year. In January 2021, we received the state aid clearance for the IPCEI EuBatIn and successfully kicked off its governance structure in September 2021.   

The overarching goal of the EuBatIn project is to establish a closed, sustainable and innovative value chain for lithium-ion battery technologyin the EU. All parts of this added value are to be considered, from material production to cell development and production to the final storage systems for various applications. The partner network deals with all these aspects.

The main feature of the EuBatIn work is a holistic approach. The lithium-ion technology is the key component with which a more sustainable mobility and energy supply can be realised. However, this is only possible if the production of the cells and storage units is also designed and laid out in accordance with sustainable aspects. The EuBatIn has set itself the task of taking on a pioneering role in this area. Together with its partners, the program will establish a closed loop. By establishing recycling processes, efficient and sustainable production processes and the latest innovative materials and technologies, the lithium-ion storage product is to be further developed into a real green technology.

Read full article >>

2021 was also an important year for the Global Battery Alliance (GBA) and its establishment as a multi-stakeholder, pre-competitive partnership. The GBA focuses primarily on the circular battery value chain as an important building block to achieve the goals of the Paris Agreement. The focus of the participating companies, government representatives and NGOs is also on the low-carbon economy in the battery value chain, in initiatives to create new jobs and additional economic value. In intensive discussion processes of stakeholders, definitions were made on harmonised principles of data collection. This effort will be continued this year, supported by the IPCEI accompanying research team. Within the framework of the G7 presidency, Germany is currently preparing an international workshop on harmonisation for digital traceability.

We would like to invite you to participate!Stay in touch for news and follow us on LinkedIn >>