Batteries and accumulators are vital sources of energy and a key technology in the transition towards a more circular economy and climate neutrality to such an extent that the European Commission forecasts that their demand will have grown 14-fold by 2030. Of this, 17% will come from the EU. To minimize the environmental impact of this exponential growth and meet the European Green Deal’s circular economy and zero pollution goals, Brussels proposed a new Batteries Regulation in 2020.
EU rules on batteries aim to make batteries sustainable throughout their entire life cycle, from the sourcing of materials to their collection, recycling, and repurposing. The new rules promote the development of a competitive sustainable battery industry, supporting Europe’s clean energy transition and its independence from fuel imports.
The EU’s calls for research and innovation projects aim to develop new technologies and processes that can strengthen the efficiency of battery production and improve the recyclability of batteries. The calls also seek to foster collaboration between different stakeholders in the battery value chain, such as suppliers, battery manufacturers, and end-users.
By funding these projects, the European Commission is supporting the development of a sustainable and competitive battery industry in Europe. This, in turn, will help to accelerate the transition to a carbon-neutral economy and create new jobs and economic growth opportunities in Europe. In this way, recycling battery materials is critical to promote a circular economy.
European battery innovation: Horizon Europe cluster 5
In the framework of the Horizon Europe programme, three topics have already been published for projects addressing these issues, with a deadline of September 2023.
The objective of the first one, HORIZON-CL5-2023-D2-02-01, is to scale up advanced solid-state materials for anodes, cathodes, electrolytes, and separators for mobility markets with high performance and low cost. The project aims to achieve specific performance indicators, such as high energy density, cycling capability, safety, and environmental sustainability, while also optimizing cell design and manufacturing processes for large-scale production.
The second topic, HORIZON-CL5-2023-D2-02-02, seeks to develop advanced Li-ion batteries with improved safety, cyclability, and sustainability. It focuses on targeted modifications to main cell components, including cathode, anode, separator, and electrolyte, to address common safety hazards and improve performance.
The third one, HORIZON-CL5-2023-D2-02-03, aims to provide stakeholders in the battery value chain with accurate, reliable, and immutable battery information, including ESGE indicators, and to monitor thermal runaway at any stage of the value chain. The topic also aims to promote new business models, improve recycling efficiency, boost the use of recycled and reusable materials, increase competitiveness of the European battery industry, and streamline compliance with the proposed Batteries Regulation and EU federated dataspace.
The support of expert consultants
These topics outline the expected outcomes and scope of the projects, which focus on developing sustainable and safe technologies and systems for decarbonization of transport and stationary applications. The projects aim to contribute to the Horizon Europe Strategic Plan’s Key Strategic Orientations by promoting a digitally enabled circular, climate-neutral, and sustainable economy, promoting an open strategic autonomy, and creating a more resilient, inclusive, and democratic European society. The main impact areas include industrial leadership in key and emerging technologies, affordable and clean energy, and smart and sustainable transport.
If you need help preparing your proposal, seek the support of professionals who not only understand your project, but also know how to fit it into the requirements of the call. In this way, you can optimise your chances of obtaining the necessary funding to successfully carry out your project. Zabala Innovation is at your disposal, offering you the support of consultants who are experts in this specific field and in the calls for European funding programmes.
