The EU battery carbon footprint rules need urgent attention

Abstract

The EU Battery Regulation 2023/1542 (ref. ¹) is a landmark framework aimed at ensuring batteries placed on the EU market are sustainable, safe, and recyclable. The regulation has broad implications for both the EU and global battery industries². While primarily targeting industry compliance, the regulation also directly impacts energy research and development communities, as new batteries will need to comply with its legal requirements. Those working on battery electrochemistry, performance, safety, and design, as well as on sustainability, due diligence, reuse, and recycling, will need to align their work on resource availability, value chains and recycling with the regulation’s requirements to ensure access to the European market.

The delay in finalizing the Delegated Act on the CF declaration for EV batteries is causing significant disruption in EV battery research, supply and value chain across markets. Companies and carbon footprint practitioners face considerable uncertainty as to whether to proceed with the draft Delegated Act. This hesitation arises because the draft remains under revision and may change.