17 August 2023:
In a historic move toward a more sustainable and environmentally conscious future, the long-awaited Batteries Regulation has officially been enacted today. With its sights set on revolutionising battery production and management, this regulation holds immense promise for reshaping the landscape of energy storage and minimizing environmental impact.
The existing Batteries Directive (2006/66/EC) has regulated batteries and battery waste in the EU since 2006. In 2020, the EU launched a new strategic approach to batteries, encompassed within the European Green Deal, the Circular Economy Action Plan, and the Industrial Strategy for Europe. The Commission presented a proposal for the Batteries Regulation in December 2020, and a compromise was reached between the Council and the European Parliament in December 2022. While both the Batteries Directive and the Batteries Regulation serve as legislative instruments, the former was not legally enforceable in EU countries, whereas the new Batteries Regulation is.
Notably, updates have been made to the article numbers since the compromise text was unveiled in January. Industry players are encouraged to familiarise themselves with these changes to ensure seamless compliance. The full text is available on this page.
While the Batteries Regulation comes into force today, many articles pertaining to the flow battery industry will gradually come into effect over the next few years. This phased approach allows stakeholders time to prepare for the implementation of these new rules.
As this pivotal regulation comes into effect, the clock starts ticking. Let’s seize this opportunity to drive innovation, enhance sustainability, and collectively work toward a greener future.