ECGA (European Advanced Carbon and Graphite Materials Association)

Graphite recyclers depend on hydro-metallurgical recyclers and a favourable EU legal framework 🔋At #RawMaterialsWeek2024, today’s panel discussion focused on building prosperity through competitiveness and resilience in Europe's battery supply chain. Developing graphite recycling capacities in the EU is just beginning to make sense. This is due to: 🔹 Increasing availability of feedstock from hydro-metallurgical recyclers 🔹 Growing demand from battery manufacturers The biggest challenge isn’t technological - it's aligning supply with demand. Under a realistic scenario, recycled graphite could meet up to 13% of EU demand by 2032, equating to 37 kilotons per year. To make this a reality, EU action is vital: ✔ Incentivise graphite concentrate production through the Batteries Regulation ✔ Prevent black mass exports from the EU ✔ Standardise the composition of graphite concentrate #BatteryIndustry #GraphiteRecycling #CircularEconomy #Sustainability #Innovation #Europe

🚀 As #RawMaterialsWeek2024 highlighted the importance of resilient supply chains for #defence and #space today, we are proud to underline the critical role of European carbon and graphite in these sectors. These materials are indispensable across various defence, aeronautics, and space applications, such as: 🔹 Military helicopters, tanks, and aircrafts 🔹 Drones and robots 🔹 Protective gear for personnel 🔹 Advanced lubricant applications 🔹 High-performance aerospace components The versatility of carbon and graphite enhances efficiency, reduces weight, and withstands extreme conditions - key attributes for military and aerospace technologies. 🔗 Discover more about the essential role of carbon and graphite by exploring our Defence, Aircraft and Space Applications Infosheet: https://lnkd.in/ehuAh2Fh 💡Together, we are building resilient supply chains for a safer, more innovative Europe. #Graphite #Carbon #Defence #Aeronautics #Innovation #Sustainability #Europe

The ECGA welcomes the opening statements of the European Commission during #RawMaterialsWeek2024 and wishes to stress how important the EU’s raw materials policy is for ensuring economic resilience and strategic autonomy. 📈 #Graphite Supply in Focus According to Wood Mackenzie (Nov 2024), the situation regarding #naturalgraphite supply is slowly improving through diversification. While China’s supply is forecasted to drop by 12% between 2024 and 2028, promising growth is expected from other regions: Mozambique: +440%, Tanzania: +323%, Madagascar: +263%, Norway: +125%. Despite these developments, China remains the dominant supplier in terms of tonnage. Europe’s graphite mines are lagging behind and urgently require fast-track permitting and EU support to alleviate pressures on supply chains. 🔋 #SyntheticGraphite Production Global production of synthetic graphite is also increasing, with China growing by 156% and Europe by 153%. However, Europe is starting from a much smaller production base. 💡 Key Challenges Looking at demand forecasts, it is clear that graphite will remain a critical material for Europe’s energy transition and battery investments. With China continuing to interfere in markets, developing Europe’s own graphite resources is essential to safeguarding its supply chains, energy security, and defence capabilities. The ECGA underscores the need for robust EU measures to support this critical material’s supply chain. Let us join forces towards a resilient and sustainable future for Europe.

🔋 Graphite: Powering the Future of the Hydrogen Economy During European Hydrogen Week, we turn our attention to the vital role of #graphite in enabling the hydrogen revolution. Hydrogen is at the forefront of the energy transition, unlocking sustainable solutions for a low-carbon future, and graphite is a key enabler in this journey. 💡 Key Facts About Graphite in Hydrogen Production: 💧 Electrolysis Support: Graphite is essential in water electrolysis, the primary method of producing green hydrogen. Its durability and conductivity make it ideal for bipolar plates in proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolysers. 🌡️ High Thermal and Chemical Resistance: Graphite components withstand extreme conditions during hydrogen production, ensuring efficiency and longevity in hydrogen generation systems. 🛢️ Hydrogen Storage and Distribution: Advanced graphite materials contribute to the development of lightweight, high-performance storage systems for hydrogen, facilitating its safe transport and use. ♻️ Circularity and Sustainability: Graphite’s recyclability supports sustainable practices in the hydrogen value chain, reducing resource dependency and minimising environmental impact. 🌐 The hydrogen economy is reshaping the global energy landscape, and graphite is a cornerstone of the innovative technologies driving this transition. From production to storage, graphite is empowering industries to harness the full potential of hydrogen while supporting Europe’s ambitious climate goals. #EuropeanHydrogenWeek #GraphiteInHydrogen #EnergyTransition #CleanEnergy #ECGA

🌍 On the occasion of the Euractiv event, The future of the European raw materials industry – How can Europe remain competitive on the global stage?, ECGA President Juan Antonio Aranzabal highlighted the essential role of natural and synthetic graphite for Europe’s economic resilience and competitiveness.   🔹 The sector, like many others, faces significant challenges in the global market due to high energy and CO₂ costs and international subsidisation practices. For example, China subsidises the entire supply chain of natural and synthetic graphite, which is classified as strategic. MEP Hildegard Bentele’s explanation of the CRM Act’s implementation was welcomed, although she, along with industry representatives, raised concerns about the limited banking support for the extractive sector. Such financial restrictions, along with EU Sustainable Platform recommendations, could hinder Europe’s industrial strength.   🔸 Mr Aranzabal also emphasised the need for EU support in mitigating costs and ensuring access to investments crucial for the transition of this energy-intensive sector. He noted that CCSU technology is vital for decarbonisation efforts. Additionally, reducing red tape and refining measures like the CBAM to support EU exports would be instrumental in enhancing the sector's competitiveness.   📈 Further insights from Léon Delvaux (DG TRADE), MEP Hildegard Bentele, and Nicoletta Zappatini (Olea Capital Ltd) were shared, highlighting Europe’s roadmap toward a sustainable and resilient future

📢 We are pleased to invite you to join us on 7th November in Brussels for the event, “The future of the European raw materials industry – How can Europe remain competitive on the global stage?” Organised in collaboration with Euractiv, this workshop will address the challenges and opportunities facing Europe’s critical raw materials (CRMs), with a special focus on the carbon and graphite sectors. 🌍 Europe's Climate Drive: CRMs are essential for green technologies like solar panels and electric vehicles. However, the transition is challenged by high energy costs, rising CO₂ expenses, limited renewable access, and trade barriers. The “green premium” – the added cost of sustainable technologies – further complicates these efforts. This Euractiv Stakeholder Workshop will explore how Europe can strengthen its CRM sector through smart trade policies and tackle these key questions: ➡️ How can Europe overcome current challenges and secure its future? ➡️ What strategies can reduce the burden of high energy costs? ➡️ How can we ensure secure CRM supply chains? ➡️ What incentives will help drive decarbonisation in the CRM industry? 🎤 Confirmed speakers include: Hildegard Bentele MEP (Member ITRE Committee, European Parliament) Léon Delvaux (DG TRADE, European Commission) Juan Antonio Aranzabal (President of ECGA) 📍 Location: Euractiv Network Office, Boulevard Charlemagne 1, Brussels 📅 Schedule: 7th November, 10:30 ✉️ Contact: Tamara Novel, tamara.novel@euractiv.com Read more: https://lnkd.in/edbAtDt2 💡 Registration is now open! https://lnkd.in/ehiyZ73y #RawMaterials #Graphite #Carbon #CRMA #CRMs #EnergyChallenges #TradePolicy #Decarbonisation #GreenFuture #Euractiv

🏅 Javelin Mastery: The Carbon Fibre Advantage As the women’s javelin final took place last night at the Paris Olympics, we’re highlighting the advanced materials that are transforming this event. Carbon fibre has become a crucial component in modern javelins, offering: 🎯 Enhanced Aerodynamics: Carbon fibre allows for precise weight distribution, improving the aerodynamic properties of the javelin for longer and more stable flights. ⚡ Lightweight Performance: The lightweight nature of carbon fibre reduces the overall weight of the javelin, enabling athletes to generate more speed and distance. 🛡️ Superior Durability: Carbon fibre provides exceptional strength and resilience, ensuring that the javelin maintains its integrity and performance through intense competition. #Athletics #Javelin #ECGA #ParisOlympics2024 #CarbonFibreTech

🚣♂️ Racing Ahead: The Strength of Carbon Fibre in Canoeing As the canoe sprint competitions take place today at the #Paris2024Olympics, we’re highlighting the advanced materials that are revolutionising the sport. Carbon fibre is essential in modern canoe construction, offering: 💪 Exceptional Strength: Carbon fibre provides unmatched strength, ensuring that canoes can withstand the rigorous demands of high-speed sprints and rough waters. 🛡️ Durability: These materials are incredibly durable, maintaining their performance and integrity even under the most challenging conditions. ⚡ Lightweight Performance: The lightweight nature of carbon fibre allows for faster acceleration and easier manoeuvrability, giving athletes a competitive edge. #Canoeing #ECGA #ParisOlympics2024 #CarbonFibreTech

🥅 Hockey: The Game-Changing Role of Carbon Fibre 🏆 As hockey events are reaching the finals at the #Paris2024Olympics, we’re spotlighting the advanced materials that are transforming the sport. Carbon fibre has become a crucial element in modern hockey sticks, offering unmatched performance benefits: 🏑 Precision and Power: Carbon fibre sticks provide unparalleled accuracy and force in every shot, giving players the edge to score and defend. 🏑 Endurance and Resilience: Built to withstand intense play, these sticks offer exceptional durability, maintaining their integrity through the most demanding matches. 🏑 Agility and Speed: The lightweight nature of carbon fibre allows for quicker reactions and swift movements, enhancing the overall gameplay experience. #Hockey #ECGA #ParisOlympics2024 #CarbonFibreTech

🏅 Achieving New Distances: Carbon Fibre in Discus As the men’s discus final takes place tonight at the Paris Olympics, we’re highlighting the advanced materials enhancing this event. Carbon fibre has become a crucial component in modern discus construction, offering: 🎯 Precise Weight Distribution: Carbon fibre allows for more accurate weight distribution, enhancing the aerodynamic properties of the disc for longer and more stable flights. 🌀 Enhanced Aerodynamics: The lightweight nature of carbon fibre helps reduce air resistance, allowing the discus to travel further with greater stability. 🛡️ Durability: Carbon fibre provides exceptional strength, ensuring discus maintains its shape and performance through rigorous competition. Watch today as athletes achieve peak performance and set new records with the help of carbon fibre technology. #Athletics #Discus #ECGA #Paris2024Olympics #CarbonFibreTech