Anticipated European Energy Requirements for Battery Cell Manufacturing Predicted by Scientists
A research team, led by Simon Lux, has presented predictions and recommendations for Europe to achieve self-sufficiency in battery cell production by 2050. The study, based on a life cycle analysis using data from current research and the 'ecoinvent' database, highlights the importance of a well-developed recycling infrastructure, energy efficiency, and local supply chains.
Currently, Europe provides only around 6.8% of the energy needed for cell production, with the rest being imported. However, the increasing use of electric motors and stationary batteries could save 90 TWh of energy that would otherwise be consumed for the extraction, processing, and refining of fossil fuels by 2050.
The team predicts that Europe's annual energy demand for local battery cell production will rise from 3.5 TWh to around 250 TWh by 2050. By this year, stationary batteries in Europe could store around 500 TWh of renewable energy. To achieve self-sufficiency, maximising battery recycling rates and efficiency is crucial. Recycling batteries could reduce the energy required for battery production by 33 to 46%.
The research team predicts around 800 GWh of battery capacity will be recycled annually in Europe by 2050. To build a sustainable recycling infrastructure and increase battery recycling efficiency, the team calls on EU political decision-makers to enable companies like Saubermacher (Austria) for battery disassembly and initial recycling steps, Redux (Germany) for advanced battery material processing, matterr (Germany) for scalable chemical recycling technologies, and neocomp GmbH (Germany) for wind turbine component recycling to take action.
Strengthening local battery supply chains in Europe is crucial to reduce energy dependence, according to Lux. Europe needs 200 to 250 TWh annually to charge electric vehicles and balance efficiency losses during charging and discharging of E-vehicles and stationary storage. The energy demand for batteries in Europe is growing disproportionately compared to total energy demand, requiring large investments in renewable energy generation and infrastructure.
The EU's goal is to strengthen local battery supply chains in Europe. The analysis represents a simplified battery circular economy. The team also stresses the need for appropriate regulations to enable companies to develop sustainable and resilient recycling capacities. European policymakers are encouraged to support these initiatives to reduce import dependence and meet future energy demands.
