The future of battery production continues to gain momentum: With the groundbreaking ceremony, construction of the second and largest phase of the battery cell research and production facility (FFB Fab) in the Hansa Business Park in Münster-Amelsbüren has begun. This brings the goal of developing battery cells sustainably, efficiently, and on an industrial scale in Germany one big step closer.

Mona Neubaur, Minister for Economic Affairs, Industry, Climate Protection and Energy of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia: “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.”

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.”

European flagship project

In addition to representatives of the Ministry of Culture and Science and the Ministry of Economic Affairs, Industry, Climate Protection and Energy of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia, representatives of the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF), Fraunhofer FFB as the future user, the City of Münster, Carpus + Partner AG as the responsible general planner, Assmann Münster GmbH as the project manager and the state-owned NRW.URBAN as the client on site will honor this milestone for the important lighthouse project in battery research for Germany and Europe.

A globally unique innovation tool

The construction of the FFB Fab will expand the locally available plant capacity for battery production research to a large-scale industrial level. By the planned completion of the research building at the end of 2027, an additional 20,000 m² of floor space will be made available for research. The first construction phase, the “FFB PreFab,” was already opened and operated in April 2024. In the meantime, Fraunhofer FFB has set up a pilot-scale sample line for complete battery cell production there. In addition, so-called innovation modules are available as test areas for the further development and implementation of new battery concepts and manufacturing processes for the industry.

“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', for example by increasing throughput or automating production steps and optimizing them under real industrial conditions,” explains Professor Simon Lux. “In both factories, companies along the entire value chain of battery cell production can test, trial and further develop their innovations in a practical manner and thus bring them to market faster,” Lux continues.

With both facilities - PreFab and FFB Fab - the Fraunhofer FFB is currently one of the largest research construction projects in Germany and is unique in its concept and orientation worldwide.

European flagship project

In addition to representatives of the Ministry of Culture and Science and the Ministry of Economic Affairs, Industry, Climate Protection and Energy of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia, representatives of the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF), Fraunhofer FFB as the future user, the City of Münster, Carpus + Partner AG as the responsible general planner, Assmann Münster GmbH as the project manager and the state-owned NRW.URBAN as the client on site will honor this milestone for the important lighthouse project in battery research for Germany and Europe.

In the research building, economically and ecologically sustainable manufacturing processes for current and future cell technologies will be researched and further developed for production lines up to the gigawatt scale. Along the entire value chain of battery cell production, industrial companies will then be able to test and optimize selected process steps under scientific supervision. 

Fraunhofer FFB will thus play a key role in the development of the next generation of battery cells and close the gap between basic research and industrial-scale application. It is therefore of crucial importance for the sustainable development of electromobility and the energy transition. The facility will not only set new standards in research but also serve as an innovation center for industrial partners.

BatteryCityMünster is developing into a high-tech location

Around 140 employees currently work for Fraunhofer FFB. In cooperation with MEET (Münster Electrochemical Energy Technology) at the University of Münster and other research partners in Aachen, Jülich and throughout Germany, BatteryCityMünster is developing into an important business and technology location in Germany and Europe, which is also gaining international recognition. It is already successfully attracting companies and start-ups.

The Fraunhofer FFB will play a key role in the development of the next generation of battery cells and close the gap between basic research and industrial-scale applications. It is therefore of crucial importance for the sustainable development of electromobility and the energy transition. The facility will not only set new standards in research, but will also serve as an innovation center for industrial partners.

Financial support from the federal government and the state of NRW

The state of North Rhine-Westphalia is investing around €320 million in the land and research buildings in Münster. The BMBF is also providing up to €500 million in funding for the construction of the research facilities and the research projects. Together, the two partners are thus making a major investment in the future viability of Germany as an industrial location and in an important building block for strengthening Europe's technological sovereignty in this future-oriented field.