Exploring sustainable energy transitions 

The Consortium for Battery Innovation's impactful presence at European Commission’s SET Plans Conference

In the ever-evolving landscape of energy storage, the Consortium for Battery Innovation (CBI) stands at the forefront, driving advancements in battery technology. At the recent SET Plans Conference in Viladecans, the CBI had a strong presence with its Senior External Affairs Manager, Nicola Filizola, showcasing the consortium's commitment to fostering collaboration and innovation within the energy transition landscape.

The revamped SET Plans to address energy policy

The European Strategic Energy Technology (SET) Plan was established in 2007 and since the creation of the energy union in 2015, it became one of the main instruments of the energy union’s 5^th pillar on research, innovation, and competitiveness.

During the conference, the European Commission confirmed its commitment to reinforcing the SET Plan, and its acknowledgement of the key role that the initiative will play in delivering the European Green Deal, REPowerEU and the Green Deal Industrial Plan, with a particular emphasis on the Net Zero Industry Act. This will help to accelerate the clean energy transition, increase the EU’s competitiveness, and ultimately deliver the EU’s ambitious climate and energy objectives. 

Boosting European competitiveness and technology sovereignty

The EU is a frontrunner in the deployment of sustainable energy solutions and in clean energy research and innovation. However, this leadership is not matched by an equally strong position in the manufacturing of net-zero technologies. 

To strengthen Europe’s technological and industrial sovereignty, the European Commission has proposed the Green Deal Industrial Plan, which includes the Net-Zero Industry Act for increasing the EU manufacturing capacity of net-zero technologies, and the Critical Raw Materials Act for securing the supply of critical raw materials. The revised SET Plan will help convert innovations into marketable solutions that can be produced and scaled up in the EU.

Advancing battery technologies

The SET Plans Conference served as a global platform for discussing Sustainable Energy Technology Plans, bringing together experts, policymakers, and industry leaders to deliberate on the future of energy technologies. The CBI consortium's presence was crucial in highlighting the pivotal role that advanced lead battery technologies play in achieving sustainable energy goals.

1. Knowledge exchange: One of the primary advantages for CBI members at the SET Plans Conference is the opportunity for knowledge exchange. Our representative actively engaged in discussions about the latest trends, research findings, and technological breakthroughs in battery innovation. This exchange of information positions CBI members at the forefront of cutting-edge developments, enabling them to stay ahead in a rapidly evolving industry.
2. Networking opportunities: The conference provided an ideal platform for networking, allowing CBI representative to connect with key stakeholders, potential collaborators, and decision-makers in the energy sector. Establishing and nurturing these connections can lead to strategic partnerships, joint ventures, and collaborative research initiatives that drive innovation and accelerate the adoption of advanced battery technologies.
3. Policy influence: Participation in conferences like SET Plans allows the CBI representative to advocate for favorable policies that support the growth of the battery industry. By engaging with policymakers, the consortium can contribute to the development of regulatory frameworks that promote sustainability, safety, and efficiency in battery technologies.
4. Showcasing CBI achievements: The SET Plans Conference served as a platform for the CBI representative to showcase the consortium's achievements, ongoing projects, and contributions to the battery industry. This not only enhances the consortium's reputation but also attracts potential new members who recognize the value of being part of an organization at the forefront of battery innovation.

As the battery industry continues to play a pivotal role in the global transition to clean energy, the CBI's active participation in conferences of this nature reinforces its position as a driving force in shaping the future of energy storage.

For more information on how to develop and reinforce the Brussels footprint for the advanced lead battery ecosystem, feel free to contact our Senior External Affairs Manager at nicolafilizola@batteryinnovation.org