Request for Proposal: Lithium Value Chain Study: EU Supply–Demand Gap and Strategic Project Identification Outside the EU
Overview of EIT RawMaterials
EIT RawMaterials is a ‘Knowledge and Innovation Communities’ (KICs) created by the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT), aimed at promoting innovation in the raw materials sector across Europe. Established in 2015, EIT RawMaterials works to secure the sustainable supply of raw materials to the European industry by driving innovation, education, and entrepreneurship along the entire raw materials value chain.
We are a knowledge-driven business and a catalyst for industrial progress. Our offerings leverage our expertise and that of our network – the world's largest network in the raw [and advanced] materials sector – which includes companies at every stage of evolution, from start-ups to market leaders, along with leading international universities, research organisations, and top experts and future talent from the sector.
Our activities span from mining and mineral processing to material recycling and substitution, focusing on increasing resource efficiency and fostering a circular economy.
We inform policy, apply knowledge, accelerate innovation, create opportunity, and unlock commercial value – for our partners and customers throughout the raw materials value chain to develop the raw materials sector as a strategic strength and foundation for a secure, sustainable future for Europe.
Our offerings are designed to help our partners and industry to be part of Europe’s strategic agenda to ensure supply chain security and make the ‘Green New Deal’ a reality that benefits the people of Europe and partner nations.
For more information about our company please visit the following website:
https://eitrawmaterials.eu/
2. Background, Scope of Work, and Expected Deliverables
2.1. Background and Context
Lithium is listed as a critical raw material under the EU Critical Raw Materials (CRM) Act. In response, several EU partner countries are actively developing their lithium mining sectors, with a number of promising projects currently underway. Given the complexity of the lithium value chain—from extraction to processing and end-use applications, a global perspective is essential for a comprehensive assessment of this commodity. Rather than focusing on individual country analyses, the final output should provide an integrated global overview of the lithium value chain. This will support EU Delegations and Headquarters (HQ) staff in identifying and prioritising strategic projects outside the EU to address supply gaps, supported by clear justification for their selection.
2.2. Scope of work
A robust understanding of internal EU demand and supply dynamics is a critical starting point. This requires a detailed assessment of current and projected lithium demand in the EU, disaggregated across key end-use sectors such as batteries, ceramics and glass, lubricants and greases, medical applications, and others. Particular attention should be given to the dominant end-use segment—batteries—through a deeper analysis of demand across battery electric vehicles (BEVs), plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), heavy duty, portable electronics, stationary energy storage systems (ESS), etc.
In parallel, it is essential to evaluate the extent to which this demand is currently met, and can be met in the future, by existing and planned EU-based projects across the value chain.
Building on this EU baseline and gap analysis, the study should then determine the scale, nature, and geographical focus of investments required outside the EU to bridge these supply gaps. This external perspective must remain closely anchored to the EU’s needs, while ensuring alignment with the objective of avoiding excessive reliance on a single third country (i.e. limiting dependency to no more than 65%).
In this context, the analysis of third-country projects should be framed as a targeted exercise aimed at identifying those assets most relevant for addressing the EU’s uncovered demand. At the global level, the study will therefore examine the current state of the lithium sector in relation to EU needs, and identify and prioritise major projects that could support the EU through investment or strategic cooperation. The evaluation will consider technical and financial aspects, permitting status, and project maturity, alongside key regulatory, socio-economic, environmental, and infrastructural challenges, taking account as well the technical viability of different lithium extraction pathways (e.g. hard rock, brine, geothermal, and other unconventional sources), considering their level of technological maturity, scalability, and associated processing complexities.
Overall objective: To provide a data-driven, global assessment of the lithium value chain to inform EU strategic investment and cooperation priorities, including the identification and prioritisation of strategic projects outside the EU to address supply gaps in Europe.
Specific objectives:
• Quantify EU demand–supply balance and future gaps
• Identify and prioritise relevant third-country projects
• A value chain approach shall be applied throughout the analysis, considering downstream demand dynamics, as this might influence the relative attractiveness of different lithium projects for investment and sourcing.
• Assess project risks (technical, regulatory, ESG, geopolitical)
• Provide actionable recommendations for EU external engagement
2.3. Deliverables
• Main deliverable: A concise (max. 35 pages), evidence-based report detailing the key findings against each objective set out in the Terms of Reference, to provide actionable recommendations for EU policymakers and investors
• Supporting outputs: PowerPoint summary (15–20 slides), 1–2 page factsheet, Excel database of projects, and all underlying datasets used in editable formats (.xlsx)
Please note that the information provided in section 2 in this Request for Proposals (RfP) is indicative and non-exhaustive; the complete description of the project, including all requirements, scope of work, and deliverables, is set out in the Terms of Reference (ToR).
3. Proposal Process
3.1. Participation
Participation in this proposal procedure is open to all tenderers.
All participants must sign the Tenderers’ declaration form attached and submit it with the proposal. Please note that the tenderer may not modify the text, it must be submitted signed as provided by EIT RawMaterials attached to this request for proposal document.
3.2. Submission of proposal
Publishing the RFP on EIT RawMaterials website : July 1th, 2026
Deadline for requesting clarification from EIT RawMaterials: July 9th, 2026
Deadline for submitting proposals: July 17th, 2026
Intended date of notification of award: July 24th, 2026
Intended date of contract signature: August 10th, 2026
Proposals must be emailed in English to the following addresses:
Andrea Itziar Pitillas Martinez, Senior Advisor Battery Materials,
Email: andrea.martinez@eitrawmaterials.eu
Phone: +491732464317
Ana Carina Verissimo, Business Development Manager
Email: ana-carina.verissimo@eitrawmaterials.eu
Phone: +491736753216
André Ufer, Coordinator Critical Raw Materials Facility
Phone: +49 162 748 2154
Email: andre.ufer@eitrawmaterials.eu
The proposal shall contain:
- The completed Annex 1 – Technical and Financial Proposal Template found in the ToR, addressing both the technical response to the requested services (section 2 and the TOR) and the financial offer (the price for the services).
- As part of the evaluation, bidders are encouraged to submit a concise sample deliverable (1–2 pages or slides) related to the subject matter. Such material will be considered positively as it allows assessment of the quality, rigor, and relevance of their work.
- The financial offer must be presented in Euro. Prices must be indicated as net amount + VAT.
- Information on GDPR compliance, where applicable
- an indication of Supplier’s insurance coverage. The proposal must specify whether the supplier has taken out a company liability insurance and/or professional liability insurance including the maximum amount of coverage in Euro per event per insurance
The Tenderers’ declaration form.
Please note that the proposal must clearly include:
- Any assumptions or exclusions, including elements of the Terms of Reference (ToR) that cannot be delivered, explicitly stated
