THE future of battery energy storage in Europe could be derailed
if more regulatory restrictions are imposed on a key industry
powering the energy transformation, a business group meeting in
Vienna is warning.
The lead battery industry, which is meeting at its bi-annual
conference in Austria this week (w/b September 2) has highlighted
the EU as the number one risk to the multi-billion-dollar
manufacturing capability worldwide.
Dr Andy Bush, of the International Lead Association, is warning
delegates that proposals by the European Commissionto restrict
the use of lead and lead compounds will “jeopardise the entire
industry” if EU officials successfully wave through new rules
requiring ‘authorisation’ for the key components used in the
production of batteries storing 75 per cent of the world’s
rechargeable energy.
He is calling on the EU to think again and consider more
proportionate risk management measures.
EU officials could ask the REACH chemicals regulatory committee,
which is made up of member state representatives, to restrict the
use of lead compounds – all of which are only used in lead
battery manufacturing – as early as this month.
Dr Bush will tell delegates: “We are facing in Europe the very
real possibility of regulatory restrictions that could ultimately
jeopardise our entire industry. We have to explain to the EU just
how much harm this would do not only to this industry but to the
Commission’s own energy transformation aspirations to reduce
harmful emissions and boost electrification.
“All battery technologies use potentially toxic materials in
their manufacturing processes, and singling out lead batteries,
which play an essential role in Europe’s economy, is both
disproportionate and counterproductive.”
He is also expected to argue that lead batteries should enjoy a
level playing field with other technologies supporting the energy
transformation and should not face more red tape.
“Attempts to further regulate the production of lead batteries in
the EU fly in the face of the Commission’s own energy storage
vision and batteries action plan. To meet Europe’s rapidly
growing demand for battery energy storage in the decades ahead,
advanced lead batteries will be required at scale alongside other
technologies to support electrification and decarbonisation.
“Decision-makers in Brussels need a more joined-up policy
approach so that we can fully support European decarbonisation
and electrification plans and make the most of the economic and
environmental opportunities presented by energy storage using
advanced lead batteries.”
Lead battery manufacturing is already highly regulated in Europe,
and the batteries – used extensively in vehicles, industrial
applications, and to provide back-up for essential services
including hospitals, telecoms and data centres – are sealed units
with no risk of exposure to consumers.
More than 99 per cent of lead batteries are collected and
recycled, making them one of the most sustainable consumer goods
in Europe.
The industry employs more than 20,000 people in manufacturing in
the EU across 15 member states, contributing over 5 billion euros
to the economy.
Note to editors
Dr Andy Bush is speaking at the 16ELBC lead battery conference in
Vienna on Wednesday September 5.
