Brussels safe secondary energy storage battery

This essay will start by explaining the 4 key components of the EU Battery Strategy: The European Battery Alliance as a forerunner, the EU Batteries Regulation of 2023, a comprehensive framework addressing the lifecycle of batteries from design to disposal, the Raw Materials Strategy, and the Strategic Research and Innovation Agenda.

While the EU scores high in relation to the recycling of portable and lead-acid automotive batteries, much remains to be done as regards lithium-ion batteries used in electric cars, energy storage systems and industrial activities. Only 10% of lithium contained in batteries is recycled.

The directive does not cover batteries used in equipment to protect EU countries' security or for military purposes, or in equipment designed to be sent into space. With some exceptions for portable batteries used in emergency and alarm systems or medical equipment.

For batteries manufactured outside the EU, it will be the importer or distributor of the batteries into the EU that needs to ensure compliance of the batteries with the relevant requirements set out in the Regulation. via notified bodies.

Yet, batteries are at the core of the European Union's energy transition, forming a crucial link in achieving the ambitious goals of the European Green Deal. They are essential for decarbonizing sectors like transportation, energy, and industry by providing reliable energy storage for renewable sources.

The aim of the proposed Regulation is that batteries placed on the EU market are sustainable, circular, high-performing and safe all along their entire life cycle, that they are collected, repurposed and recycled, becoming a true source of valuable raw materials.