Batteries are considered one of the key technologies for the energy and transportation transition. The experts from industry, research, and startups agree: without powerful, sustainable, and recyclable battery systems, Germany will not be able to achieve its energy policy goals. A functioning circular battery recycling system is essential in order to reduce dependence on raw materials, keep added value within the country, and ensure technological sovereignty.
Our colleague, Dr. Katja Kretschmer, Head of Division Cathode Material Development provides the latest insights from the high-level panel discussion on circular battery production at IBPC2025. She provided exciting insights into our development of sustainable cathode materials and how we contribute to circularity in the European Battery Value Chain.
Germany as a production and innovation hub
Germany has excellent conditions for remaining a leading hub for battery technology: a strong research landscape, highly qualified specialists, and industrial experience along the entire value chain. To remain competitive, targeted investment in research, development, and industrial scaling is therefore required.
Studies predict that up to 250,000 jobs could be created in the battery industry and research alone by 2030—provided that skilled workers can be recruited, and barriers to innovation are removed.
Efficient circular recycling offers several advantages
- Securing raw materials: Recovery of critical materials such as lithium, cobalt & nickel.
- Cost reduction: Reduced dependence on import markets.
- Environmental sustainability: Reduction in resource consumption and environmental impact.
- Technological sovereignty: Control over key production processes & innovations.
In order to realize this potential, defined recycling processes, a clear legal framework, and close cooperation between research institutions and industry are required.
Recommendations for policymakers and legislators
To ensure Germany's long-term competitiveness, experts have formulated several specific recommendations for action:
- Developing a comprehensive concept for battery research: Policymakers, scientists, and industry should work together to develop a long-term strategy - from materials research to the scaling of industrial recycling systems.
- Strengthening technological sovereignty: The goal is to achieve the greatest possible independence in the production, development, and recycling of batteries. This also includes strengthening confidence in technologies “Made in Germany” instead of relying on foreign solutions.
- Targeted investment and support programs: In addition to research institutions, industrial companies should also be explicitly supported in order to bring innovations into application more quickly. Less bureaucracy and clearer funding conditions are also necessary.
- Recruitment and training of skilled workers: The expected job creation requires measures to secure skilled workers, from training campaigns to the international recruitment of specialized talent.
Stricter regulatory framework for recycling: This includes clearly defined processes, especially for material classes, as well as reliable guidelines for the use of recycled materials.