European Raw Materials Week 2024: Supporting the EU’s Efforts in Achieving Critical Raw Materials Independency

As European Raw Materials Week 2024 takes place in Brussels this week, the event once again underscores the EU’s commitment to securing sustainable access to critical raw materials, a cornerstone of Europe’s green and digital transitions. This year’s gathering of experts and stakeholders emphasises the importance of strategic initiatives aimed at strengthening supply chains for critical sectors, including clean energy, mobility, defence, and aerospace.

Alongside strategies for securing continuous supply or emergency stocks, reducing the use of critical materials in advanced technologies is essential. Key aspects of the multidimensional strategy to minimise dependency on critical raw materials include the development of substitutes for scarce materials, the promotion of a circular economy, and implementation of recycling processes as well as the improvement of device efficiency and use of resources.

The recent Critical Raw Materials Act (CRMA) sets ambitious goals to reduce dependency on imports and strengthen domestic production, processing, and recycling capacities. Specifically, it aims to produce 10% of critical materials domestically, process 40%, and recycle 25% by 2030. To reach these targets, the EU is investing significantly in research and innovation to support technological advancements and sustainability in different sectors. Currently, the EU supports numerous research projects and initiatives focusing on development of novel materials that could replace or significantly lower the use of rare earth metals, critical materials recycling, sustainable mining, and supply chain resilience.

Growing portfolio of R&I initiatives to help reduce CRM reliance

In alignment with the objectives of the CRMA, EURICE is deeply involved in supporting Europe’s drive to reduce reliance on critical raw material imports through a significant portfolio of innovative EU-funded projects. These initiatives address the full scope of challenges presented by the CRMA: from reducing the use of critical raw materials, and enhancing recycling processes to fostering advancements in sustainable materials and alternative technologies.

“Achieving independence from critical raw materials is crucial for the EU,” says Heiko Poth, Innovation Manager at EURICE. “By working on these projects, we’re contributing to building resilient and sustainable supply chains in Europe. This is not just about securing resources but setting a standard for responsible sourcing and technological leadership.”

Each of our projects exemplifies this commitment, with specific focus areas such as novel battery technologies, efficiency in battery manufacturing, and innovations in materials used in laser and supercapacitor technology. For instance, the MeBattery project is pioneering high-density, efficient batteries using non-critical materials, while RELiEF is working to secure lithium recovery from European sources, reinforcing the EU’s self-sufficiency. Projects like SUPERLASER, EMPHASIS, and INERRANT further contribute by developing alternative materials and recycling methods that reduce environmental impact and reliance on imports of critical raw materials.

EURICE’s innovative materials project portfolio

• MeBattery

  The MeBattery project focuses on developing a new type of battery technology that overcomes the limits of currently available battery types by combining solid state and flow battery elements with unconventional, thermodynamically driven concepts. The result is a mediated biphasic battery with high energy density and efficiency, increased life cycle, and reduced costs and environmental footprint due to the use of non-critical raw materials. Learn more about MeBattery.

• RELiEF

  The RELiEF project addresses the EU’s goal of securing a stable lithium supply for battery manufacturing by developing processes for lithium recovery from lithium waste and previously unused secondary European resources. This project helps to secure Europe’s lithium supply domestically, in alignment with the Critical Raw Materials Act’s target of recycling 25% of these materials within the EU by 2030. By tapping into local lithium resources and refining capabilities, RELiEF contributes to reducing dependency on foreign imports and strengthens the EU’s supply chain resilience. More details are available at RELiEF.

• DigiCell

  DigiCell supports the EU’s drive toward technology leadership in battery production by developing advanced techniques in integrated measurement tools, multi-scale modelling, AI and machine learning to improve industrial battery manufacturing. The result will be optimised pilot line processes for batteries with enhanced performance, safety and lifetime, while at the same time allowing for lower production costs, smaller energy footprint and reduced waste generation. This aligns with the EU’s commitment to increasing efficiency in raw material use and minimising waste, which ultimately reduces overall dependency on imports, and boost the competitiveness and independence of the European battery industry by excellence in sustainable manufacturing. For more information, visit the DigiCell website.

• SUPERLASER

  SUPERLASER is a project focused on developing next-generation lasers using halide perovskite materials. Its goal is to develop novel materials for the fabrication of ultra-coherent and intense super radiant lasers of low cost, with minimum requirements in energy, and low carbon footprint, targeting to zero e-waste. SUPERLASER will not only minimise environmental impact through life cycle analysis and recyclability protocols but also reduce the dependency on critical raw materials, currently heavily relied on in electronics. Following a holistic, groundbreaking material and device engineering approach, SUPERLASER is committed to substitute critical raw materials, like cobalt and rare earth elements, with sustainable alternatives. Find out more about SUPERLASER.

• EMPHASIS

  The EMPHASIS project focuses on developing supercapacitors with a reduced need for critical materials, such as cobalt, optimised for use in crucial consumer applications such as smart clothing for health monitoring and use in electromobility. By innovating the design and materials used in supercapacitors, EMPHASIS contributes to the EU’s circular economy goals by minimising reliance on traditional, resource-intensive materials and supporting the sustainable use of alternative elements. This project aids in securing supply chains while promoting the use of recyclable and more readily available materials within the EU. Learn more about EMPHASIS.

• INERRANT

  The INERRANT project aims to develop safer and cost-effective Li-ion batteries for the growing electromobility market. The project will develop novel materials to replace critical raw materials currently used, all while maintaining cost-effectiveness and energy and power density. To further improve the efficiency of the batteries the project focusses on improving fast charging capacities, recyclability and operational lifespan. By developing novel alternatives to critical raw materials and by deploying sustainable recycling processes, to improve the purity of recovered materials INERRANT is fully in line with the European Critical Raw Materials Act. Find out more about INERRANT.