Construction has commenced on the second phase of the FFB Fab, a significant expansion of the battery cell research and production facility in Münster-Amelsbüren. The new phase will encompass modern production and research spaces spanning 20,000 square meters, aimed at facilitating industry-oriented production research and development at a gigawatt scale. The construction is expected to be completed by the end of 2027, with research operations being established in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF). This development positions the (FFB) as a central component of a technologically advanced and competitive battery value chain in Germany and Europe.
The groundbreaking ceremony marked the start of the largest phase of the FFB Fab project within the Hansa Business Park. This expansion is a crucial step towards achieving sustainable, efficient, and large-scale battery cell production in Germany. With the initiation of the second construction phase, the project moves closer to its goal of enhancing Germany’s capabilities in battery technology.
Mona Neubaur, the Minister for Economic Affairs, Industry, Climate Protection and Energy of North Rhine-Westphalia, highlighted the significance of the project: “With FFB Fab, we are not only taking a huge step forward for research on an industrial scale, but also for our business location. Modern battery cells are the backbone of the energy transition – and it is precisely here in Münster that we are continuously expanding our expertise. We are strengthening our technological sovereignty, creating future-proof jobs, bringing added value back to Europe and thus securing our prosperity. This is the future we want – climate-friendly, innovative and independent.”
Ina Brandes, Minister for Culture and Science of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia: “The development of smart batteries is one of the key technologies that will secure prosperity and good jobs in North Rhine-Westphalia. The ground-breaking ceremony for the second construction phase is another milestone on the way to a unique research facility where the battery cell production of tomorrow can be optimally researched and developed.”
The FFB Fab expansion will significantly increase the plant capacity for battery production research to an industrial scale. By the end of 2027, the facility will provide an additional 20,000 square meters for research purposes. The first phase, known as FFB PreFab, began operations in April 2024 and currently hosts a pilot-scale battery cell production line. Professor Lux explained, “While we enable complete battery cell production on a pilot scale in the ‘FFB PreFab’, these processes can be scaled up in the ‘FFB Fab’.”
Professor Simon Lux, Director of the Fraunhofer FFB: “The start of construction marks an important step for the Fraunhofer FFB and the entire BatteryCityMünster ecosystem. We are delighted to be part of this dynamic development and to actively promote technology transfer to industry in collaboration with local institutions.”
BatteryCityMünster, supported by approximately 140 employees at Fraunhofer FFB and in partnership with MEET at the University of Münster and other research institutions, is evolving into a key business and technology hub with international recognition.
The project is financially supported by the state of North Rhine-Westphalia with an investment of around €320 million for land and research buildings, and the BMBF is contributing up to €500 million for the construction and research initiatives. These investments aim to bolster Germany’s industrial base and enhance Europe’s technological sovereignty in the battery sector.
Source: Fraunhofer FFB
