EASE prepared a reply to the European Commission proposal to revise the EU rules on the Trans-European Networks for Energy (TEN-E) Regulation. We welcome this proposal: it is a step forward, a piece of legislation more in line with the European Union’s climate objectives, although criticalities are still present.
February 2021 / Event Reports
The Batteries of the Future: Actions to Take Today
On 9 February 2021, EASE and Batteries Europe welcomed more than 200 participants to discuss the future of batteries, the challenges currently faced by battery manufacturers, and possible solutions to foster the EU leadership in the battery storage field.
The batteries of the future
Ms Edel Sheridan, representing the Batteries Europe Secretariat, highlighted how new and emerging technologies, new raw materials, cell design, and manufacturing, as well as a higher degree of digitalisation, are to be expected in the near future. This will lead to new applications with greater tailoring for e.g. both mobility and stationary storage, and with smart functionality resulting in longer life and higher performance for batteries. It is paramount to adopt a circular economy approach, in line with the EU climate objectives. But in order to achieve a sustainable battery design, production, use and recycling, a great coordination effort in terms of R&I is needed.
Battery technologies have the potential to radically change the future energy and mobility systems but, as highlighted by EASE Secretary General, Mr Patrick Clerens, the battery legislation needs to adapt to foster innovation and new battery solutions. Performance and durability requirements may be rapidly outdated and hinder the introduction of new types of batteries, while preventing manufacturers from introducing specific solutions for different clients. Similarly, Mr Clerens suggested that ambitious, proper, science-based recycling rates are needed - batteries’ content must be recycled – e.g. within the industry, not necessarily in new batteries. Finally, to untap the potential of competition that can lead to new, transformative batteries, it is fundamental to adopt a “technology neutral” approach in the legislation.
The challenges for the battery Industry
During the event representatives for the batteries industry shared their views on the main challenges currently faced by battery manufactures in Europe. The debate revolved around some key points:
Innovation in Europe
Market regulation
Manufacturing and recycling challenges
Attracting investments
Panellists discussed that, even for battery technologies that have been around for decades, there is still untapped potential. Innovations in Europe are pushing the boundaries in terms of e.g. performance and recyclability.
Besides, when discussing how market regulation can foster the battery storage business case, a few points were highlighted. First, that regulation should allow for long-term contracts for services offered by storage facilities. Also, that is hard to find a niche market for new technologies – the market is not segmented between short and long(er) term storage. Besides, that double charging should be avoided. Finally, that new market products for flexibility services/proper price signals/tender mechanisms should be introduced across Europe.
Panellists also talked about manufacturing: upscaling can be a serious challenge. But it is paramount to produce in sustainable way, tackling challenges along all the value chain. Besides, the importance of focusing on low footprint, supply chain ethics and sustainability (manufacturers have a social responsibility), recycling and circularity was also touched upon. Still, on the latter point, a paradox was highlighted: if materials are cheap, abundant and environmentally friendly, there may be no value in recycling and it is a pure cost.
When discussing investments, it was underlined that it is hard to attract investments for different technologies – investors tend to focus on Li-Ion. A panellist also pointed out that, on top of the previously mentioned market regulation changes, it is key to ensure health and safety by being open and transparent with all stakeholders – also to attract investors.
All in all, actors active in the battery value chain face several challenges. It is paramount to create a level playing field where different batteries technologies compete while being appropriately remunerated for the services they provide.
EU leadership
The EU has the opportunity to strengthen the European battery value chain and promote innovation through appropriate legislation. In this sense the Batteries Regulation Proposal presented by the European Commission in December 2020 is very ambitious and “all-encompassing”. During the event, Ms Flavia Raffaelli, Head of Unit for Circular Economy and Construction at the European Commission, underlined that the Commission aims at having batteries for different sectors and recognise that all energy storage technologies are an enabler of the energy transition. She also pointed out that one of the Commission’s objectives is to create a “snowball effect”, i.e. that EU’s provisions will be adopted around the world. Finally, MEP Claudia Gamon (Renew Europe group) stressed the commitment of the European Parliament to make clear to industry stakeholders, national and regional authorities that energy storage is key for the energy transition.
What are EASE's conclusions?
Europe has the opportunity to attract investments and achieve ambitious targets, if the industry and politics are able to launch appropriate initiatives. Developing sustainable, innovative batteries is a key objective of the EU. While recent initiatives, both from the EU and Industry stakeholders, go in the right direction, there is still significant room for improvement, especially from a regulatory perspective.
EASE prepared a reply to the European Commission proposal to revise the EU rules on the Trans-European Networks for Energy (TEN-E) Regulation. We welcome this proposal: it is a step forward, a piece of legislation more in line with the European Union’s climate objectives, although criticalities are still present.
EASE has published its 2022 Activity Report. In 2022, safeguarding our Energy Security became an urgent priority, underscored by geopolitical instability and the increasing pace of the climate crisis. At EASE, we have continued to push for the deployment of Energy Storage, which is key to secure an independent access to energy, whilst paving the way for a carbon neutral economy.
EASE has responded to the European Commission's Public Consultation on the Revision of the EU’s Electricity Market Design. This initiative aims to review the current electricity market design and identify areas for improvement that could support the integration of renewable energy sources, while ensuring security of supply and keep prices affordable for consumers.
On 7 December 2022, over 200 participants attended webinar on electricity market design revision and joined the discussion on how it can enable energy storage for a carbon-neutral future. Representatives of EASE Policy team presented the latest EASE policy analysis paper "The Electricity Market Design Revision" and shared a list of changes identified to ensure a renewable-based and secure energy system. Speakers from Iberdrola, CellCube, Fluence and Enel X joined to discuss the topic.
EASE has finalised a paper on the upcoming electricity market design revision, highlighting how energy storage can enable a carbon-neutral future. More than ever, energy independence, security of supply, sector integration, and decarbonisation are guiding policymakers’ actions. EASE identifies a list of changes as needed to ensure a renewable-based and secure energy system.