- Europe’s chemical sector crisis — and why it matters for battery supply chains
Europe’s chemical industry is under structural pressure – production volumes are declining, assets are being idled, and new investments are increasingly directed outside the EU. This is often explained as a downturn driven by high energy prices and high competition from Asian suppliers. In reality, the issue is more fundamental — and it directly affects Europe’s …Continue reading “Europe’s chemical sector crisis — and why it matters for battery supply chains”
- Replacing one solvent could accelerate EU gigafactory deployment
Europe’s ambition to build a competitive battery manufacturing base is well established. Dozens of gigafactories have been announced, billions of euros committed, and industrial policy is being aligned around localisation. Yet deployment on the ground remains slower and more complex than expected. While electricity prices, permitting, and skilled labour are often cited as bottlenecks, a less …Continue reading “Replacing one solvent could accelerate EU gigafactory deployment”
- Battery chemicals and supply chain resilience: the missing layer in Europe’s battery strategy
Europe’s battery strategy is usually framed around gigafactories, cell chemistries, and electric vehicle targets. Capacity is measured in gigawatt-hours, and progress is judged by how many plants are announced or built. What receives far less attention is a layer of the value chain that has a disproportionate impact on cost, risk, and resilience: battery chemicals. Chemistry …
