Fraunhofer Research Institution for Battery Cell Production FFB 
Brief description
In light of the current energy crisis and the significant dependence on and shortages of raw materials for established battery technologies, there is an urgent need for an ecologically and economically sustainable solution for electrochemical energy storage in Germany as a technologically independent location. This research consortium is working on a sustainable electrochemical storage concept based on sodium-ion technology, utilizing locally available, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly raw materials for future applications in stationary energy storage systems.
The project's objective is to produce large-format sodium-ion battery cells (SIBs) on a pilot scale. Additionally, demonstrator modules based on both commercially available and self-developed SIBs will be constructed. Accompanying laboratory work is necessary for cell development to optimize the final interactions among the battery components. A battery management system is also being developed and implemented in parallel. As part of the research project, we are testing the "drop-in" capability with existing plant technology for battery cell production, and we are preparing a life cycle assessment of SIBs. The desired cell chemistry will not rely on critical battery raw materials such as lithium or cobalt.
Establishing a local sodium-ion economy in North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW), in collaboration with industry, will lay a crucial foundation for a more resilient future regarding energy and raw materials policy.
