The Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing (BAM), Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin (HZB) and Humboldt University of Berlin (HU) have officially opened the Berlin Battery Lab, a collaborative research platform dedicated to developing resource-efficient battery technologies with a primary focus on sodium-ion systems. The facility brings together basic research, materials development, cell assembly and safety testing under one roof, aiming to accelerate the translation of laboratory innovations into practical applications.
At the new lab, scientists from the three institutions will design novel electrode and electrolyte materials, investigate innovative cell chemistries and fabricate prototype battery cells. The infrastructure is also available to external partners from academia and industry, with the goal of fostering collaboration, supporting start-ups and strengthening Germany’s position in sustainable battery development.
Berlin has emerged as a leading hub for battery research, particularly in next-generation technologies such as sodium-ion and lithium-sulfur systems. BAM contributes its internationally recognized expertise in battery safety and advanced energy materials. HU is renowned for its work on sodium-ion batteries, while HZB brings extensive experience in lithium-sulfur research and access to BESSY II, one of the world’s most powerful X-ray sources for in situ studies of battery processes.
During the opening ceremony, Berlin’s Science Senator highlighted that the lab exemplifies the city’s strength in uniting cutting-edge research with technological needs. The Senate has committed approximately €2.4 million from the European Regional Development Fund (EFRE) for 2026 to 2028 to support the initiative.
Prof. Ulrich Panne, President of BAM, noted that integrating research, development and cell production at a single site—including rigorous safety evaluations—will help bring sustainable innovations into practice more quickly. Prof. Julia von Blumenthal, President of HU, emphasized that the new facility covers the entire research chain, easing collaboration with industry and accelerating practical deployment. Prof. Bernd Rech, Scientific Director of HZB, added that the lab will include a dedicated pouch-cell line for sodium-ion batteries and advanced characterization capabilities at BESSY II.
At the inauguration, Prof. Philipp Adelhelm (HU) received a Wilhelm Ostwald Fellowship in recognition of his contributions to the physical chemistry of sodium-ion technology. The fellowship will strengthen interdisciplinary cooperation among the three institutions and support ongoing development at the Berlin Battery Lab.
Source: BAM Press Release
