We are pleased to welcome Emma Nehrenheim as new Managing Director of the European Battery Alliance (EBA), an initiative led by InnoEnergy, under the mandate of the European Commission. With her strong background in both industry and sustainability, Emma will head the industrial stream of the initiative, focusing on strengthening Europe’s battery ecosystem and increasing the continent’s industrial capacity and long-term resilience.
Industry leader with deep sustainability expertise
Emma Nehrenheim joins InnoEnergy with more than two decades of experience in environmental engineering and battery manufacturing. Most recently, she was Chief Environmental Officer and President of Northvolt Materials, gaining first-hand experience in growing battery production, navigating complex industrial ecosystems, and advancing sustainable innovation in Europe’s battery sector. She has also contributed to the development of the EU’s Battery Regulation, a framework which is widely regarded as the most ambitious framework in terms of sustainability, recyclability, and traceability. Earlier in her career, she held a professorship in environmental engineering and led research on industrial waste and water treatment.
Emma Nehrenheim says: “When we started Northvolt, Asia had already established a significant lead in battery manufacturing and development. With the support of the European Battery Alliance and InnoEnergy, we took on the challenge of building a battery industry rooted in Europe. The transition is going to happen. The real question is whether Europe will secure a meaningful share of it. 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. 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.”
A critical time for Europe’s battery sector
Emma Nehrenheim steps into this role at a pivotal time for Europe’s clean tech and industrial resilience. The continent’s battery industry faces intensifying global competition – particularly from Asia, where scale and production capacity have surged over the past decade. With limited access to markets such as the US and lower-than-expected domestic demand, surplus supply from Asia is increasingly directed toward the European market.
Diego Pavía, CEO of InnoEnergy comments: “Europe’s battery value chain, from raw materials to recycling, is a “must have” if the continent is to remain a competitive player in mobility in the short, medium, and long term. The automotive sector, both directly and indirectly, represents 7% of Europe’s GDP and 13 million jobs. The next 4–5 years will be critical, as Europe aims to raise this to 8%, unlocking an additional €300 billion in annual GDP and creating one million new jobs by 2030 across the entire value chain. This is what is at stake. We are thrilled to welcome Emma who brings many lessons learnt, the do’s and don’ts of scaling up this industry. With Emma leading this ambition alongside the InnoEnergy team and the EBA ecosystem, I believe we have what it takes to emerge as winners in this global challenge.”
From foundation to future: A leadership transition
Emma Nehrenheim succeeds Thore Sekkenes, who has led the industrial stream of the EBA for more than six years. Under his guidance, the Alliance transformed from a bold vision into an industrial force, playing a central role in shaping Europe’s battery ecosystem – now comprising over 800 companies across the entire value chain. His steady leadership, deep commitment, and strong belief in collaboration have been instrumental to that success.
Thore will remain actively involved, supporting the initiative and ensuring a smooth transition as the EBA enters its next phase under new leadership.
Read the full press release here.
