Investing in the battery value chain

The Commission launched its European Battery Alliance  initiative in 2017 to establish a complete, competitive and sustainable battery value chain in the EU. Battery technology plays a crucial role in the transition to low and zero-emission mobility and energy storage, a key contribution to meeting the European Green Deal objectives. The aim is to ensure the long term resilience of this strategic sector and to give our industry a competitive edge and create jobs.

This session will explore the opportunities for former coal regions and carbon-intensive regions to contribute to battery value chains and, in particular, in the area of skills.

Chair: Joanna Szychowska, Head of Unit, Directorate-General for Internal Market, Industry, Entrepreneurship and SMEs, European Commission

13:00 – 13:10 Welcome 

Joanna Szychowska, Head of Unit, Directorate-General for Internal Market, Industry, Entrepreneurship and SMEs, European Commission

13:10 – 13:25 Introduction: European Battery Alliance 

James Copping, Directorate-General for Internal Market, Industry, Entrepreneurship and SMEs, European Commission

13:25 – 14:05 The battery value chain: investment opportunities, skills challenges and the need for a just transition 

Joaquín Villar, Andalusian Energy Agency (Spain)

Diego Pavia, CEO, EIT InnoEnergy

Jakub Stolfa, University of Ostrava (Czechia)

14:05 – 14:45 Q&A and panel discussion

14:45 – 15:00 Wrap-up and conclusion

Peter Berkowitz, Head of Unit, Directorate-General for Regional and Urban Policy