EU approves A$4.5bn state aid for innovations in the European battery value chain

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The European Union has approved a A$4.5 billion public support from twelve member counties for a project to support research and innovation in all segments of the battery value chain.

Dubbed “European Battery Innovation (EuBatIn)”, the project marks yet another milestone in the development of an innovative and sustainable European battery industry under the umbrella of the European Battery Alliance (EBA), which was established to ensure that all Europeans benefit from safer traffic, cleaner vehicles and more sustainable technological solutions.

EuBatIn will involve 42 direct participants, including small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and start-ups with activities in one or more member states.

The direct participants will closely cooperate with each other through nearly 300 collaborations envisaged, and with over 150 external partners, such as universities, research organisations and SMEs across Europe.

EuBatIn will cover the entire battery value chain from extraction of raw materials, design and manufacturing of battery cells and packs, through to the recycling and disposal in a circular economy, with a strong focus on sustainability.

In addition to contributing to the development of a whole set of new technological breakthroughs, including different cell chemistries and novel production processes, and other innovations in the battery value chain, the project is expected to unlock more than A$14 billion in private investments, i.e. more than three times the public support.

The overall project – involving Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Poland, Slovakia, Spain and Sweden – is expected to be completed by 2028.

Image credit: https://www.eba250.com/