Together with EIT InnoEnergy, ACC - Automotive Cells Company, Northvolt, Verkor, Vulcan Energy Resources, Talga Group, and Eramet, Skeleton has co-signed a letter sent to Environment Ministers of the EU and key MEPs warning against unnecessary and counterproductive delays to the implementation of the new EU battery regulation.
In particular, we asked governments to drop the delays that the European Council is considering for the proposed law:
- a delay of up to 66 months (four years compared to the EU Commission proposal) for the introduction of rules aiming at reducing batteries’ carbon footprint;
- a delay of 36 months (two years compared to the proposal) for the phase-in of mandatory supply chain checks for environmental and human rights abuses;
- a delay of two years or more for performance and durability requirements of batteries.
Echoing a recent letter from NGOs to the ministers, we said that any further delays in implementing the regulation would mean the law would come too late. The delays would deny the young European battery industry a head start over more established players which have a poor history of corporate social responsibility practices.
“With speed the critical element in this fast growing industry, any further delays in implementing the regulation will be too late to give European newcomers a head start over larger incumbent players in the race to dominate this key strategic technology.”
It would be bad for Europe’s industry – but it would also hold back the establishment of a clean and ethical battery supply chain in Europe. This would endanger the sustainability of the transition to zero-emissions transport.
You can read the letter here.
