FFB-Blog

With the High-Tech Agenda for Germany, the federal government is focusing on technological innovation to strengthen Germany’s competitiveness and technological sovereignty in the long term. The focus is on key technologies such as artificial intelligence, climate-neutral energy, and sustainable mobility. Fraunhofer FFB plays a central role: As a flagship initiative in the field of technologies for climate-neutral mobility, it bridges the gap between research and industry and drives the development of a high-performance European battery cell manufacturing sector.

Batteries are an indispensable part of the energy transition. Not only do they play a crucial role in the mobility transition the EU has committed to by 2030, but they also support the development of a sustainable energy infrastructure. To produce battery cells as sustainably and emission-free as possible, transparency is required throughout the entire value chain. Seamless, digital recording of product, plant, and building data enables production processes to be optimized and made more efficient. Traceability, specifically, the ability to track material, process, and quality data, is particularly important for making informed decisions. With the Battery Passport set to take effect in 2027, traceability and interoperability are becoming increasingly relevant.

Electric mobility is on the rise—but how can we significantly accelerate its progress? Amid pressure to innovate, economic challenges, and societal expectations, clear strategies and new approaches are needed. Having already examined Germany’s current position in the e-mobility market, the focus now turns to the key drivers: What measures are truly driving the transformation—and how can Germany remain competitive on the global stage?

Germany is in the midst of a complex transformation. Electric mobility is considered a key technology for the transportation transition, but despite technological advances and growing market figures, the breakthrough is progressing more slowly than expected. This blog post examines where Germany truly stands today and what factors are holding back its development. A data-driven look at the current state of affairs, challenges, and prospects.

Lithium-ion batteries have dominated the battery market for decades. However, concerns about raw material dependencies and safety issues are driving European industry, research, and policymakers to develop “next-generation” batteries, such as sodium-ion batteries (SIBs). SIBs are largely based on lithium-ion battery technology knowledge and infrastrukture.

The blog post takes a closer look at abundant battery raw materials: Aluminum, iron, phosphate, copper and sodium.

Fraunhofer FFB expert Anna Weichert takes you on a journey into the world of battery cell research and development, providing a comprehensive overview of the history, functionality, structure, battery types, and manufacturing approaches. Benefit from her in-depth knowledge and expand your horizons.

Batterien sind eine zentrale Schlüsseltechnologie auf dem Weg zur Energiewende. Der steigende Bedarf an Batteriezellen verschärft jedoch den Druck auf Rohstoffmärkte, Lieferketten und Produktionskapazitäten. Die Fraunhofer FFB forscht gemeinsam mit diversen Partnern in unterschiedlichen Projekten zu effizienten Prozessen, Recycling-Methoden und Materialien.

An international cooperation project between the Fraunhofer FFB, Northvolt, RWTH Aachen and Chalmers University of Technology will start in January 2025. Master's students will be able to write their theses in collaboration with leading research centres and help shape the digitalisation of battery production.