European energy storage battery act

What does the new EU Regulation mean for batteries & waste batteries?

The Council today adopted a new regulation that strengthens sustainability rules for batteries and waste batteries. For the first time EU law will regulate the entire life cycle of a battery – from production to reuse and recycling – and ensure that batteries are safe, sustainable and competitive.

What is Regulation (EU) 2023/1542 regarding batteries and waste batteries?

Regulation (EU) 2023/1542 concerning batteries and waste batteries WHAT IS THE AIM OF THE REGULATION? It aims to ensure that, in the future, batteries have a low carbon footprint, use minimal harmful substances, need fewer raw materials from non- European Union (EU) countries and are collected, reused and recycled to a high degree within the EU.

Are batteries regulated in the EU?

Since 2006, batteries and waste batteries have been regulated at EU level under the Batteries Directive. The Commission proposed to revise this Directive in December 2020 due to new socioeconomic conditions, technological developments, markets, and battery uses. Demand for batteries is increasing rapidly.

What are EU rules on batteries?

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.

What does the new battery law mean for the EU?

With 587 votes in favour, nine against and 20 abstentions, MEPs endorsed a deal reached with the Council to overhaul EU rules on batteries and waste batteries. The new law takes into account technological developments and future challenges in the sector and will cover the entire battery life cycle, from design to end-of-life.

When did the European Commission propose a regulation on batteries?

The European Commission presented a proposal for a regulation on batteries on 10 December 2020. The Council adopted a general approach on 17 March 2022. The European Parliament adopted its negotiating position in the plenary on 10 March 2022.