Leadership Shift: Emma Nehrenheim, a seasoned battery manufacturing and sustainability expert, is appointed Managing Director of the European Battery Alliance (EBA).
Strategic Timing: Nehrenheim’s appointment comes as Asia’s battery surplus floods Europe, underscoring the urgency to strengthen local capacity.
Industrial Growth Target: EBA aims to boost Europe’s battery industry to 8% of GDP by 2030—unlocking €300B and one million jobs.
InnoEnergy has named Emma Nehrenheim as Managing Director of the European Battery Alliance (EBA), an initiative backed by the European Commission to build Europe’s battery value chain and industrial resilience.
Nehrenheim brings more than 20 years of experience in environmental engineering and battery production, having most recently served as Chief Environmental Officer and President of Northvolt Materials. She played a pivotal role in scaling European battery manufacturing and shaping the EU’s Battery Regulation, known for its rigorous sustainability and recyclability standards.
“Our mission isn’t just to build a battery industry, but to make it European—shaped by our standards, driven by our innovation, and powered by our industrial strength,” said Nehrenheim. “I am here to be part of that and to do what I can to support the continued growth and success of EBA and its member companies.”
Her appointment comes at a critical juncture. Asia’s battery giants, facing domestic overcapacity and restricted access to U.S. markets, are increasingly targeting Europe, raising competitive pressure.
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Diego Pavía, CEO of InnoEnergy, emphasized: “Europe’s battery value chain—from raw materials to recycling—is a ‘must have’ if the continent is to remain competitive in mobility. The automotive sector alone represents 7% of Europe’s GDP and 13 million jobs. The next 4–5 years will be critical. With Emma leading this ambition… I believe we have what it takes to emerge as winners in this global challenge.”
Since 2017, InnoEnergy has led the industrial stream of the EBA, supporting over 800 companies and making more than 50 investments across the battery ecosystem—from sourcing to end-use. Its Skills Institute has trained over 100,000 professionals to meet industry demands.
Outgoing leader Thore Sekkenes, who has guided the EBA’s industrial stream for six years, will remain part of the team to ensure continuity and strategic support.
With Nehrenheim at the helm, InnoEnergy signals a renewed push to not only defend—but grow—Europe’s foothold in the global battery race.
Read the full press release here.
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