In Münster, a significant step was taken in the research and production of sustainable, resource-efficient battery cells with the inauguration of the first phase of the Fraunhofer Research Fabrication Battery Cell FFB, known as “FFB PreFab”. Federal Research Minister Bettina Stark-Watzinger, North Rhine-Westphalia’s Minister-President Hendrik Wüst, and Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft President Prof. Holger Hanselka opened the facility on 30 April, which spans approximately 6,800 square metres of research space. With this launch, Fraunhofer FFB begins research activities at the site, utilising cutting-edge European machinery technology.
Battery and storage technologies are crucial for the success of the energy and transportation transition. Electric vehicles need potent batteries to achieve the necessary ranges, and renewable energy relies on stationary energy storage. The Fraunhofer FFB, as an open battery cell factory dedicated to research and development, plays a pivotal role in enhancing the production of German-made battery cells. Consequently, it meets the global market demand and aids in establishing Germany as a premier international technology hub for the foreseeable future.
Opening ceremony at the HansaBusinessPark
The “FFB PreFab” was inaugurated at the HansaBusinessPark in Münster, welcoming over 500 guests. A demonstration line for full-scale battery cell production allows the Fraunhofer FFB to assist its industrial partners in the trial and adoption of novel battery cell designs and production methods. The research facility specialises in producing pouch and prismatic cells for research applications, which are utilised in electric vehicles, medical technology, and smart devices.
German Federal Minister of Education and Research, Bettina Stark-Watzinger, stated: “Battery technology is a crucial future-oriented key technology. Hence, we are scaling up the production of battery cells in Münster. This marks a significant step towards establishing a technologically independent, competitive, and sustainable battery ecosystem. The FFB will serve as a unique global innovation tool that enables both industry and science to experiment with novel battery technologies, create new battery cell designs, and effectively achieve market readiness. The FFB draws upon our outstanding scientific research and the fundamental strengths of German industry, including mechanical and plant engineering, as well as the automotive and chemical sectors, to forge ahead with the development of cutting-edge battery cells and their production processes. The Federal Ministry of Education and Research is investing up to 500 million euros in the advancement of battery cell research production. I am thrilled to announce that research activities are now commencing with the initial PreFab construction phase.”
Leadership in battery research
Minister President Hendrik Wüst stated, “In North Rhine-Westphalia, research, development, and industrial application are closely connected. Our leadership in battery research is already established on a global scale. The Fraunhofer FFB in Münster is poised to significantly contribute not just to North Rhine-Westphalia but also to the broader goal of maintaining our strong industrial base, ensuring secure and quality employment, and meeting our ambitious climate protection goals. The inauguration of the FFB PreFab, a mere two years following the groundbreaking ceremony, marks a significant stride towards these objectives.”
Prof. Dr.-Ing. Holger Hanselka, President of the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft, stated: “The inauguration of the PreFab marks a significant milestone for the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft, the FFB battery cell research production, and most importantly, for sustainable and competitive battery production in Europe. By employing innovative machine technology, we are forging a link between research and industry to foster sustainable battery production in Europe. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to our collaborators in industry, politics, and our partners, including the Federal Ministry of Education and Research, the state of North Rhine-Westphalia, the city of Münster, our site partners, and my colleagues at the Fraunhofer Institutes. Together, we have achieved considerable advancements in battery research and are making a crucial stride towards a sustainable future.”
International pioneer
Approximately 125 employees are currently employed at the Fraunhofer FFB. In collaboration with MEET (Münster Electrochemical Energy Technology) at the University of Münster, as well as other research partners in Aachen, Jülich, and across Germany, BatteryCityMünster is emerging as a key business and technology hub in Germany and Europe, garnering further development and international interest.
Caption: At the “FFB PreFab,” technology maturity progresses from the laboratory to the innovation module, and finally to the production line, all housed under one roof. Prof. Simon Lux elucidates the production steps involved in manufacturing battery cells to the distinguished guests.