ILA calls on EU policymakers to support lead’s vital role in Europe’s low carbon future

Ahead of elections across the EU in June, the International Lead Association is calling on legislators and policymakers to recognise the strategically significant role lead plays in important products and applications. 

The Association has published a position statement setting out three key areas where policymakers can help boost the economy and support low carbon industries that rely on lead. 

ILA is calling on decision-makers in the key EU to:

Reinforce support for the lead battery value chain as a vital component of Europe’s green transition and secure economic future 
Recognise lead as a strategically important raw material indispensable to Europe’s future industrial success 
Resist unnecessary administrative burdens by focusing on proportionate regulatory measures designed to support industry, innovation and investment, while ensuring a safe workplace and environment.

ILA’s Executive Director, Dr Andy Bush, commenting on the association’s position statement said: “Lead is a metal that is often overlooked in terms of its importance for many key industries and value chains. Whether it’s batteries in vehicles or providing backup power for data centres, or cables linking windfarms, it’s a metal that Europe relies on for many day-to-day services and products all of which underpin Europe’s economic strength and future growth potential. 

“As a raw material it is abundant in Europe because of the bloc’s established circular economy, and lead can be recycled infinitely. The EU already does this safely, efficiently and sustainably. And thanks to its unique properties it is also key to recycling many other critical metals the EU must secure for the green transition. 

“Demand for batteries will continue to soar in Europe with greater electrification. To meet that requirement, significantly more advanced lead batteries will be needed to provide energy storage for microgrids, hybrid vehicles, EV charging stations, telecommunications and backup power for data centres and other critical infrastructure.

Dr Bush added: “Whether it’s securing European manufacturing capability, supporting the green transition, or boosting the EU’s competitiveness, the lead value chain has an important role to play in a new industrial plan for Europe.”

Earlier this year ILA signed the Antwerp declaration calling for a new deal for industry to support the EU’s plans for decarbonisation and growth.

Lead is one of the many metal value chains that Europe will need to deliver on these goals, achieve strategic autonomy, and reduce dependence on third countries.