Battery Industry
in Catalonia

The battery industry in Catalonia generates around 1,044 million euros in turnover, 53% more than in 2022. The sector consists of 267 companies with a combined workforce of 4,476 workers.

Download our report about the Battery industry in Catalonia

Catalonia, your gateway to Europe

Barcelona-Catalonia is your gateway to the industry of electric vehicles, batteries and components. All the key players of the production circuit are here, ready to help you develop, validate and integrate all electric vehicle components.

Watch the video to explore how Catalonia offers a complete value chain in the battery sector.

Catalonia, a key player in the battery sector in Europe.

Catalan companies in the battery sector generated a turnover of €1.044 million in 2023, marking a remarkable 53% increase from 2022. This key finding comes from the study "Batteries in Catalonia," conducted by Catalonia Trade & Investment. The report indicates that there are 267 companies in Catalonia operating across the entire value chain of the battery sector, reflecting a 26% increase and employing 4,476 individuals, which is a 49% rise compared to last year.

The study outlines seven segments of the battery value chain in Catalonia. Most companies, accounting for 35.2%, focus on the application and integration of batteries to ensure their functionality. Following this, 21% of companies are involved in battery manufacturing and systems. Additionally, 16.9% provide engineering and consulting services, while 15.4% specialize in manufacturing and managing chargers for electric vehicles.

Search our database to find Catalan companies working in the Batteries & Storage sector.

In terms of company size, the study reveals that two-thirds (67%) of these businesses are small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), while 17% are startups. Notably, more than half (53%) of the companies reported a turnover exceeding €10 million. Additionally, the industry shows a high level of internationalization, with 56% of companies exporting their products and services and 29% identifying as foreign companies' subsidiaries.

The report emphasizes that the main strength of the Catalan battery technology ecosystem lies in the robust automotive industry and the production of electric vehicle lines. It also notes the increasing number of research and development (R&D) projects aimed at advancing the battery sector, which is closely connected to the presence of research centers and universities in the region.

Finally, the study highlights Catalonia as an attractive location for investment across the entire battery value chain.

267 companies
€1,044M turnover
4,476 employees

Catalonia leads Southern Europe in attraction of foreign investment

Catalonia is the leading region in Southern Europe for attracting foreign investment in the battery sector. Over the past five years (2019-2023), it has secured 971 million euros in foreign investment projects, placing Catalonia as the leading region in southern Europe and ranking fifth across the entire continent.

Global Trends

Globally, the battery sector generated a turnover of $137 billion in 2023, with an anticipated annual growth rate of 13%. By 2030, this figure is expected to reach nearly $424 billion. Lithium-ion batteries account for over half (51.5%) of the industry's worldwide revenue.

When examining market share by country, China dominates with 76% of the total market, thanks to its significant manufacturing and production capabilities. The United States and the European Union each account for 8.3% of the market.

Sustainable mobility is boosting the battery sector

Battery use affects a significant part of productive sectors, but its momentum in the area of sustainable mobility is particularly noteworthy.

With the rise of electrified mobility, batteries have become essential components in various modes of transportation. They are currently used in cars, light mobility vehicles like bicycles and electric scooters, and heavy mobility vehicles such as trains, trucks, ships, and planes. The advancement of new battery technologies in the transportation sector, along with automation, is expected to lower costs and enhance performance.

Energy storage, both for residential and industrial use, is a key application in the sector, driven by increasing demand from the public and businesses to pursue decarbonization. Stationary batteries are ideal for a variety of applications, including telecommunications, wind and solar power systems, alarm and security systems, remote controls, ATMs, telephone exchanges, power supplies, and medical equipment.

Finally, the evolution of batteries applied to electronics is directly linked to the miniaturization of mobile electronics such as mobile phones, laptops, tablets, medical devices, robotics, and drones. In electronics, lithium-ion batteries currently stand out, as their technology has made it possible not only to meet the need for ever smaller batteries but also to offer greater density and energy efficiency.

European initiatives in the battery sector

To decrease dependence on China and other Asian countries such as Japan and South Korea, the European Union has launched several initiatives for 2030. The Net-Zero Industry Act targets European-made products to meet 90% of the current battery demand within Europe. Additionally, the Critical Raw Materials Act is designed to improve Europe's capacity to extract essential raw materials. Furthermore, the European Climate Law sets a goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 55% by 2030, with a complete reduction aimed for 2050.

To support these initiatives, several incentives have been created, including the Horizon Europe funds, which are designated for research and development (R&D) and innovation projects focused on batteries. Additionally, the Next Generation EU funds allocate 37% of their resources to sustainable mobility and renewable energy projects. Furthermore, the Innovation Fund provides financing for innovative, low-emission technologies.