Now Europe is pushing domestic battery manufacturing plans

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As India continues attempts to foster domestic solar and energy storage manufacturing industries, its European counterparts have issued a similar call to action.

The Association of European Automotive and Industrial Battery Manufacturers (EUROBAT) yesterday called for home-grown manufacturing enterprises and a battery industry strategy.

iLthium-ion technology is regarded as the standard-bearer for the large scale energy storage required to balance the renewable energy-dominated power networks needed to combat climate change. However, EUROBAT has pleased with EU policymakers to recognize the contribution that can be made by conventional lead acid batteries.

Newly-appointed EUROBAT president Marc Zoellner said all types of battery technology will be required for the energy transition and pointed out Europe already has a 30,000-strong battery manufacturing and recycling workforce, most of whom work with advanced lead batteries.

Battery strategy needed

“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,” said Zoellner, who is chief executive of German battery and energy storage company Hoppecke.

“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 reused. 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 EUROBAT was launching its Charge the Future campaign to promote the role of lead batteries, India has benefited from interest in battery manufacturing, with Tata Chemicals in July announcing plans for a Rs4,000 crore, 10 GW lithium-ion battery plant at the Dholera Special Investment Region of Gujarat.

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