The EU has a long-term vision for a prosperous, modern, competitive, climate neutral economy. Given that this energy transition will be global, maintaining a high level of domestic production of metals such as lead can ensure this is transition is a competitive one.
Europe's steel industry, which produced more than €152 billion worth of high quality steel in 2023 alone, relies on small amounts of lead to optimise both its production and use.
Advanced lead batteries are essential in vehicles from start-stop to hybrid, and in electric vehicles, where auxiliary batteries support critical safety functions.
Uninterruptible power is essential for a wide range of critical services from hospitals to telecommunications systems. Without advanced lead batteries providing back-up and uninterrupted power, data centres and other digital infrastructure would not be able to function.
Lead is supporting sustainable copper recycling across the EU and is a key contributor to the EU's circular economy.