Fraunhofer Institute for Silicon Technology (FFB) and its partners have successfully produced the first functional lithium-ion cell at the newly opened FFB PreFab facility near Münster, Germany. This pilot-scale line, which uses fully European manufacturing technology, represents a key step toward establishing competitive “Made in Germany” batteries.
Dorothee Bär, Federal Minister of Research, Technology, and Space, explains:“Only those who master battery technology and can also manufacture battery cells competitively will be able to hold their own in international competition. Batteries are indispensable for climate-neutral mobility and energy generation. As a flagship measure of Germany’s High-Tech Agenda, the FFB focuses on ”Lab to Fab” – from science to industry. The first battery cell from FFB PreFab therefore marks a decisive milestone for batteries ‘Made in Germany’.“
Minister for Economic Affairs, Industry, Climate Action and Energy of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW), Mona Neubaur:”With the battery cell research and production facility in Münster, North Rhine-Westphalia is demonstrating that we are the location for state-of-the-art high-tech industry. Strong European battery production is central to economic success, technological independence, and the transformation of our industry. Münster is significantly strengthening our innovative power in this area: research, development, and industrial transfer are perfectly interlinked here – a project that is significantly advancing Europe in the future field of battery technology.”
Minister of Culture and Science of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia, Ina Brandes:”A unique research facility for the battery cell production of the future is being built in Münster. Smart batteries are already part of people’s everyday lives – as a key technology in energy supply, electromobility, and smartphones, for example. With the FFB, we in North Rhine-Westphalia have the opportunity to close the gap between basic research and large-scale industrial application. This will have a magnetic effect on well-trained specialists and excellent scientists.”
Professor Holger Hanselka, President of the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft, stated that the pilot line and accompanying research environment strengthen Germany’s technological sovereignty in mobility, energy, and industry. He expressed gratitude to federal and state authorities for their support, noting that this project advances a competitive battery production ecosystem by linking fundamental research with series manufacturing.
Opened in spring 2024, the first phase of the facility provides over 3,000 square meters of research space. A second phase, FFB Fab, is currently under construction and will offer around 20,000 square meters for gigafactory-scale production research. The Federal Ministry of Research, Technology, and Space is investing up to €750 million in research operations, while the State of North Rhine-Westphalia is contributing approximately €320 million toward site development and buildings.
Source: Fraunhofer
