Bio-graphite or other carbonaceous solids for batteries produced from renewable sources

• Problem: Graphite is a critical component for energy storage batteries and essential for the transition to a sustainable energy system. Europe relies heavily on imports of natural and synthetic graphite, mainly from China, creating supply chain vulnerabilities and high environmental impact. Conventional synthetic graphite production is energy-intensive and fossil-based, while intensive natural graphite mining has significant environmental and social effects. A similar situation applies to other carbon-based materials used for energy storage, both electrical and thermal

• Context: Developing “bio-graphite” or other carbonaceous materials from renewable sources, such as locally available biomass, offers a strategic opportunity to reduce import dependence, lower CO₂ emissions, and promote a circular, low-carbon economy. This approach could establish a local and sustainable supply chain for the European energy storage industry.

• Type of solution searched for: Innovative technologies to produce graphite or other carbonaceous materials from biomass or other renewable sources. Solutions should demonstrate technical, economic, and environmental feasibility, with electrochemical or thermal properties comparable to conventional materials. Industrial scalability reduced environmental impact, and integration potential into the European energy storage value chain are highly valued.

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