16 December 2024 — The GR4FITE3 project supports and aligns with the introduction of the EU Battery Passport by developing a sustainable supply chain for industrial carbon products and enhancing Europe’s resilience in critical raw materials.
The innovation project seeks to achieve a more efficient production of lithium-ion batteries for use in electric vehicles and energy storage systems. As such, it is well positioned to embrace the EU’s new battery passport scheme.
A battery passport is a digital document accessible via a QR code, with the battery’s specifications, performance data, production details, recycled content, hazardous substances, and certifications.
From 18 February 2027, all light means of transport (LMT) batteries, industrial batteries exceeding 2 kWh, and electric vehicle batteries must include a digital record (i.e., the “passport”) to ensure compliance with EU standards, foster environmental responsibility and support a circular economy.
GR4FITE3 project partner Łukasiewicz-IMN monitors EU regulations and market trends, and ensures the project’s outcomes align with the requirements of the battery passport. Its Director of Division, Grzegorz Lota, said: ‘The Battery Passport represents a transformative leap in ensuring sustainability and transparency in the battery industry. By aligning with this initiative, the GR4FITE3 project is contributing to the development of high-energy-density Li-ion batteries, which are critical for Europe’s transition to a zero-emission, sustainable future.’
The battery passport will facilitate better collection, recycling, and reuse of batteries, with the follow aims:
- Enhance resource efficiency.
- Promote transparency across the battery lifecycle.
- Support ambitious recovery targets, including 50% lithium recovery by 2027 and 80% by 2031.
It will thus help ensure that batteries meet electrochemical performance and sustainability standards, supporting the EU’s climate neutrality goals outlined in the European Green Deal.
EU Regulations background:
The European Green Deal serves as the foundation for regulatory measures like the Battery Passport, targeting climate neutrality in the EU by 2050 through low-emission transport and sustainable battery production. Directive 2023/1542 (Battery Directive) introduces comprehensive standards for battery production, use, and recycling, replacing the outdated Directive 2006/66/EC. Key provisions include performance benchmarks, manufacturer obligations for recyclability, and ambitious recovery goals for lithium and other materials, reinforcing the EU’s commitment to a circular economy.
