INL Hosts Seminar on Critical Mineral Resources and the Battery Value Chain: Opportunities and Challenges for Portugal

On November 12, 2024, INL will host a seminar titled “Critical Mineral Resources and the Battery Value Chain: Opportunities and Challenges for Portugal.” Organized by Battery Cluster Portugal and the Cluster Portugal Mineral Resources Association.

This event will bring together industry, academia, and government experts to explore both the potential and the hurdles in establishing a resilient and sustainable battery value chain within Europe. As a founding member of Battery Cluster Portugal, INL is deeply committed to advancing energy storage solutions critical for Europe’s sustainable future.

Why you should attend?

The seminar will address key issues for strengthening Europe’s battery value chain, such as sustainable mineral sourcing, supply chain resilience, and battery technology innovation. Discussions will highlight Portugal and Spain’s lithium resources as part of a strategic approach to developing a robust domestic battery ecosystem—an increasingly pressing priority amid global demand and competition for critical raw materials. Presentations will also cover eco-responsible mining and refining practices, as well as economic and geopolitical factors influencing the future of battery technology.

Pedro Salomé, Research Group Leader of INL’s Nanofabrication, Optoelectronics, and Energy Applications group, and a speaker at the event, emphasized its significance: “This seminar is essential as Europe seeks to secure its energy future. Developing a battery ecosystem that uses critical raw materials within European borders—particularly the abundant lithium in Portugal and Spain—enables us to strengthen Europe’s energy resilience and sustainability from within. INL’s role in the Battery Cluster exemplifies our commitment to collaborations that drive Europe’s battery industry forward.”

With speakers from diverse backgrounds, panel discussions, and ample networking opportunities, the seminar aims to foster impactful partnerships across sectors. By hosting and supporting this initiative, INL reaffirms its dedication to pioneering energy storage technologies and aligning Portugal’s resources with Europe’s vision for a sustainable energy future.

Please note that all information and registration details are available in Portuguese.