The European Commission approved Hungary’s 46.5 million euros investment aid to the chemical company Toray for a new battery separator film plant.
Lithium-ion battery separator films (BSF) are a key component of lithium-ion batteries, used in consumer electronics, energy storage systems and electric vehicles. They function as the separator of the two major building blocks of a battery, preventing short circuits while allowing the movements of ions.
The project, which started in 2019 and is planned to be completed in 2023, is expected to create nearly 200 direct jobs.
In recent years, Europe has become a leader in the fight against climate change. The European Commission, as part of a global approach, has recognised the absolute necessity to develop the energy storage and battery sector to integrate renewable energy and decarbonise the transport sector.
Recently, Batteries Europe, the European Technology and Innovation Platform on Batteries, has suggested short term R&I priorities for the entire battery value chain. The priority topics identified range from sustainable processing of battery raw materials to advanced methods of sorting and recycling of battery materials, proceeding with next-generation batteries for e-mobility and stationary storage from advanced materials. Manufacturing techniques and batteries integration in key user applications are also highlighted.
Along with the rapid growth of e-mobility and energy storage industries, a growing stream of Li-Ion batteries is entering European markets. In the next 10 years, a vast number of EV battery systems is expected to reach its end of life (EoL). Handling end-of-life battery streams necessitates developing a harmonised system of battery handling across the EU. Hence, tackling collection, handling, sorting and dismantling of end-of-life Li-ion batteries are the first necessary steps in getting the materials back into the battery value chain and ensuring proper recycling.
