Europe’s ambition to be a world player in decarbonised transportation arguably depends on sourcing lithium abroad, especially in South America.
Even the bloc’s broader energy security and climate goals could depend on securing a steady supply of the key mineral, used in batteries and other clean energy supply chains.
But Europe has run into a trio of obstacles: lack of money, double-edged regulations and competition from China, analysts told AFP.
China has a major head start.
It currently produces more than three-quarters of batteries sold worldwide,…