New energy for battery research in Germany

From 20 to 22 January, Berlin hosted the 14th German Battery Forum – one of the most important platforms for experts along the entire electrochemical energy storage value chain. The event is organised by the battery association KLiB e. V. with the support of the BMFTR. The avarian Center for Battery Technology (BayBatt) was represented by its director, Prof. Dr.-Ing. Michael Danzer. Last year, Danzer was appointed to the Ministry's Battery Research Advisory Board, which provides independent advice to the BMFTR on strategic issues relating to battery research and brings together 67 high-ranking representatives from industry and science. For Danzer, the appointment is a "sign of appreciation and nationwide recognition of the work of BayBatt" and an opportunity to further promote the institute's networking activities.

Just days before the forum began, the BMFTR published its new concept for battery competence clusters from 2026 onwards, which is based on Germany's High-Tech Agenda. This agenda focuses increasingly on strategic key technologies such as climate-neutral energy generation and sustainable mobility. At its heart is a clear objective: to establish competitive, sovereign battery production in Germany by 2035. In order to achieve this ambitious goal, research, development and industrial implementation are to be even more closely interlinked. A roadmap process will be introduced as an open participation format to jointly define needs and innovation paths and develop them flexibly.

The "Clusters Go Industry" funding guideline will modernise and expand existing competence clusters. New clusters are intended to close competence gaps and accelerate the transfer of research results to industry. The focus is particularly on battery materials, production technologies, solid-state batteries, battery recycling and the circular economy. The first new projects could start as early as the end of the year. This represents an important opportunity for BayBatt. "After the long dry spell in funding policy, we are very pleased about the cluster calls for proposals," emphasises Danzer. "Our goal is for BayBatt researchers to be strongly represented in all clusters."

Federal Research Minister Dorothee Bär also sent a clear political signal when she announced at the forum that €227 million would be allocated to battery research in the current budget – a level comparable to that before the recent dip in funding. Further growth was even promised for the coming years. Danzer summarises the mood in Berlin as follows: "There was a palpable sense of optimism this year. Battery research is clearly embedded in a technology-oriented roadmap and closely linked to the goal of industrial implementation in Germany."