Fraunhofer Competence Center Battery Cell Production

The North American battery cell market is experiencing rapid and dynamic evolution: As of March 2023, industrial production capacities of lithium-ion batteries with a cumulative capacity of approxi-mately 1,700 GWh are either planned or already in operation. The surge in production capacities of battery cells is accompanied by a strong demand for pioneering advancements in both product and production technologies. New cell generations such as solid-state and sodium-ion batteries are facing increasing attention by cell manufacturers, while in production there is at the same time an enormous demand for optimized manufacturing processes such as dry coating. In this fiercely competitive environment, innovation is the key to not only surviving but thriving.

Joining forces in the Fraunhofer Competence Center Battery Cell Production

The Fraunhofer Competence Center Battery Production is a a joint initiative of research facilities with-in the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft for the further development of battery production in an international environment. The Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft, based in Germany, is the world’s leading organization für applied research and development. With a total workforce of more than 30,000 employees, Fraunhofer develops key technologies for the future and makes a significant contribution to the successful commercialization of innovations for business and industry.  

Translating the latest research findings into production

At the center of the activities is the Fraunhofer Battery Cell Manufacturing Facility FFB in Münster, which operates an open battery factory for research and development purposes. Here, a team of 170 experts works on a wide range of battery research topics. The research facilities are currently being expanded to achieve production capacities of up to 7 GWh per year. As a second partner, the Fraun-hofer Institute for Production Technology IPT, based in Aachen, contributes its many years of experi-ence in specialized machinery construction: For example, the Fraunhofer IPT has developed an individ-ual system for the industrial series production of solid-state batteries on behalf of a customer.  

It is the objective of the Fraunhofer Competence Center Battery Production to become a central hub for cutting-edge research and innovation in North American battery cell manufacturing.

Choosing and developing production technologies for innovations in the battery market

The Fraunhofer Competence Center Battery Cell Production rests on the three pillars of products, pro-duction technologies and markets:

Development and prototyping of battery cells 

The Fraunhofer Competence Center Battery Cell Production is at the forefront of battery cell innova-tion: We specialize in the research and development of cutting-edge battery cell technologies, allow-ing us to create prototypes that push the boundaries of what is possible. We are dedicated to advanc-ing the performance, efficiency, and sustainability of battery cells.

Development of production equipment with a focus on pilot lines

We recognize the crucial role that production equipment plays in scaling up battery cell manufactur-ing. Our team focuses on the design and development of production equipment, with a particular em-phasis on pilot lines. This enables us to bridge the gap between research and large-scale production, ensuring that groundbreaking technologies can be seamlessly integrated into industrial processes.

Techno-economic assessment of new technologies 

In a rapidly evolving field like battery cell production, it's essential to understand not only the tech-nical feasibility but also the economic viability of new technologies. The Fraunhofer Competence Cen-ter Battery Cell Production conducts thorough techno-economic assessments to evaluate the real-world potential of emerging battery cell innovations. This helps stakeholders make informed decisions and investments in the ever-changing landscape of battery technology.

Partner for a wide range of research and development tasks

The Fraunhofer Battery Cell Manufacturing Competence Center has extensive knowledge and the experience to tackle complex research issues in the field of battery cell technology. Complementary technology areas such as digitalization and sustainable solutions complement our portfolio. Our goal is to drive innovation, facilitate the transition to sustainable energy, and provide valuable insights that benefit industry and society.

Participate in bilateral industrial projects

The Fraunhofer Battery Cell Manufacturing Competence Center places strong emphasis on a wide variety of industrial cooperations. In addition to collaboration in high-impact consortia, we also offer industrial partners the opportunity to carry out bilateral industrial projects on an exclusive basis. In these collaborations, we maintain close cooperation with American companies in customized, individ-ual projects and engage in joint research and development projects.