European Battery Innovation Quarterly | Issue 11

BUILDING AN INTEGRATED EUROPEAN BATTERY ECOSYSTEM

Market Update: Battery Cell Production in Europe - Status Quo and Outlook ++ Battery Insights:…

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Market Update: Battery Cell Production in Europe Status Quo and Outlook

With 14 million electric vehicles sold and 706 GWh of battery energy installed, the global electric vehicle industry and the associated battery market…

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Cooperation as a key to success? Short study on mechanical and plant engineering as a strategic component of the European battery ecosystem

A new study assesses the current situation of battery machine and plant manufacturing in Germany. For this, interviews were conducted with machine and…

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Batteries Event

Lyon, Frankreich

16.-18.10.2024

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Future Battery Forum

Berlin & Online

05. - 06.11.2024

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Battery Experts Forum

Darmstadt, Deutschland

05.-07.11.24

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Direct Participants of IPCEI on Batteries

ACC

Created in September 2020 Automotive Cells Company (ACC) is a new venture that brings together the expertise of three major companies, with highly complementary skills and experiences: Saft, PSA and Opel.

France

Saft specializes in advanced battery technology solutions for industry, from design and development to production, customization and service provision, and brings its expertise for battery R&D and industrialization. PSA (Stellantis) is a French multinational automobile company creating vehicles for Peugeot, Citroen, DS, Opel and Vauxhall and will make ACC benefit from its knowledge of the automotive market and its experience in mass production. Opel brings over a century of German industrial know-how to ACC. They've lead the way in creating robust, reliable vehicles since 1899.
This association demonstrates their desire to combine their know-how to create a global reference player for battery development and manufacturing for eV, and the European leader of automotive batteries enabling clean and efficient mobility for the greatest number.
ACC’s ambitions are to be a high-tech and innovative center of excellence, to be competitive, producing automotive batteries more affordable than ever, to act in a socially and environmentally responsible manner and to create highly qualified jobs and job opportunities also in its value chain.
ACC’s 4 main environmental and social levers for responsible battery manufacturing are: the lowest possible carbon footprint for its cells and modules in a continuous improvement approach, a sustainable supply chain with full traceability of the raw materials especially the strategic metals, eco-design of the products that will be recyclable, easy to repair and dismantle, and factories operated according to the best environmental management standards.

Description of the project
ACC’s project targets within the framework of „IPCEI on Batteries“ are research & development, prototype production and testing of highly innovative Lithium ion battery cell technologies and mass-production of battery cells and modules in 2 gigafactories. The project builds on R&D activities near Bordeaux (South of France) and on a testing plant in Nersac (South of France). The second phase of the project is the building of a Gigafactory for battery cells and modules in Billy-Berclau (North of France), with an expected start of production by mid-2023. And the third one is the construction of another Gigafactory in Kaiserslautern (Germany).
By 2030, ACC aim to produce one million batteries annually with at least 70% of its suppliers based in Europe.

www.acc-emotion.com

BASF

BASF creates chemistry for a sustainable future. The approximately 110,000 employees in the BASF Group work on contributing to the success of our customers in nearly all sectors and almost every country in the world.

Germany, Finland

Our portfolio is divided into six segments with eleven divisions. In addition to battery materials, BASF's Catalysts division is also responsible for our world-leading portfolio of environmental and process catalysts. BASF’s technology platform Process Research & Chemical Engineering develops new technologies and processes not only for battery research, but also for the very wide range of chemical processes.

Description of the project
E-mobility in Europe requires a locally integrated, cost-effective battery value chain that can deliver high-performance and sustainable batteries. BASF is planning a new plant for the production of cathode active materials (CAM) in Schwarzheide, Germany, which can produce cathode active materials of the latest and next generation according to innovative production processes. The project also includes intensive research activities for specific product properties and efficient recycling technology. Moreover, BASF is planning a new plant for the production of precursors (PCAM) in Harjavalta, Finland.

www.basf.com/global/de.html

BMW

With its four brands BMW, MINI, Rolls-Royce and BMW Motorrad, the BMW Group is the world’s leading premium manufacturer of automobiles and motorcycles and also provides premium financial and mobility services.

Germany

The BMW Group production network comprises 31 production and assembly facilities in 15 countries; the company has a global sales network in more than 140 countries.

In 2019, the BMW Group sold over 2.5 million passenger vehicles and more than 175,000 motorcycles worldwide. The profit before tax in the financial year 2019 was € 7.118 billion on revenues amounting to € 104.210 billion. As of 31 December 2019, the BMW Group had a workforce of 126,016 employees.

The success of the BMW Group has always been based on long-term thinking and responsible action. The company has therefore established ecological and social sustainability throughout the value chain, comprehensive product responsibility and a clear commitment to conserving resources as an integral part of its strategy.

Description of the project
BMW’s project targets within the framework of „IPCEI on Batteries“ are design (including definition of cell chemistry), development, prototype production and testing of a highly innovative generation of Lithium ion battery cells. Therefore, several battery cells sample prototypes are built, tested and analyzed. The final target cell will be manufactured on the newly set-up battery cell pilot plant and as proof of concept fully validated as basis for subsequent industrialization by a European cell supplier.

Another significant part of the project is the design of an improved and innovative module and battery pack targeting substantial reduction of production time, cost reduction, increase of energy density (on module and pack level), but in particular leading to a significantly improved recycling ability (e.g. less complicated automated dismantling, optimization of material mix…) as a base of recirculation of materials into production process (circular economy).

www.bmwgroup.com

Elemental Strategic Metals

Elemental Strategic Metals Sp. z o.o. is a SPV company of Elemental Holding S.A. Elemental Holding is a Poland-based, holding company active in urban mining, recycling and refining of critical raw materials focusing on battery metals, platinum group metals and precious metals.

Poland

Description of the project
Elemental Strategic Metals’ project include development in Poland of  plant for recycling of lithium-ion batteries and  other waste containing metals critical for e-mobility. The company will process various types of waste containing metals important for e-mobility, including production scrap. The recycling process will include mechanical and metallurgical treatment  leading to production of high quality raw materials for European industry.

www.elemental.biz

Endurance

Endurance SpA (Endurance), an Italy-based subsidiary of Endurance Overseas, the European holding company of the Endurance Group, active in the supply of engine and transmission components to European automotive OEMs.

Italy

Enel X S.r.L.

Enel X, Enel Group’s global business line, is a leader in the energy sector, offering services that accelerate innovation and boost the energy transition.

Italy

Through its advanced solutions, Enel X provides each partner with an ecosystem of tech platforms and consulting services, focusing on sustainability and circular economy principles in order to provide an alternative model that respects the environment and integrates technological innovation into daily life. Each solution has the power to turn decarbonization, electrification and digitalization goals into sustainable actions for everyone.

Project Description
Enel X presented a project on the first IPCEI about Fault and Degradation prediction of batteries which was approved last December 2019.

https://www.enelx.com

FAAM

FIB S.p.A., an Italy-based company, operating under the brand FAAM, is active in the design, production and recycling of cells, modules, and li-ion batteries for industrial, automotive, storage, and special applications.

Italy

FIB has already realized a pilot production of cells, modules, and li-ion batteries in Teverola (Italy) with a production capacity of 0.35GWh.
FIB is also active in the production and recycling of lead-acid batteries, as well as in the design and construction of plants for the recycling of end-of-life batteries.
FIB is part of Seri Industrial Group, a listed company on the Milan Stock Exchange (MTA) operating along the entire value chain of plastics (recycling, moulding, and extrusion) and batteries, that employs almost 1,000 people in 14 production plants in Italy, France, Poland, and China.

Project Description (Cells and modules WS)
The objective of the project is the design and development of beyond state-of-the-art Li-ion cells and modules, based on high-voltage, high energy, and safe active materials. Particular attention will be put on the environmental footprint, with a sustainable and efficient manufacturing process. The green manufacturing process will be carried out by eliminating toxic solvents and reducing the CO2- equivalent during production. Emphasis will be put on the battery cell and module design to be easily dismantled and recycled.
The project will be deployed in the Teverola (Italy) cluster area, where FIB is already running a 0.35GWh plant. The mission of FIB is to deploy the first Mediterranean Gigafactory.

Project Description (Recycling WS)
The objective of the project is the deployment of an industrial pilot line based on hydrometallurgical process for the recovery of the feedstock. This process, coupled with optimized logistics and integration with waste electrical and electronic equipment, will allow to reach a “zero waste” concept for the recovery of Li-ion battery materials. The collection, sorting and battery dismantling will be performed locally, based on local regulation, minimizing the transport of dangerous waste. Cell material recycling, after the deactivation and shredding, would be carried out in centralized plants, continuously fed, thus reducing energy consumption and emissions, and optimizing economics.

www.faam.com
www.seri-industrial.it

Flash Battery srl

Flash Battery srl, (Flash Battery), is an Italy-based company committed to developing technologies and creating tailored projects with high added value in custom battery production for industrial machines and electric vehicles.

Italy

The Flash Battery team (average age 33, 30% engineers) design, create and remotely monitor lithium batteries supplied to industrial machine and electric vehicle manufacturers having medium-volume production and high customisation requirements. The lithium batteries feature a pulsing heart: the Flash Balancing System, a proprietary electronic system under international patent pending status, which keeps cells balanced and working efficiently throughout the life of the battery (over 4,000 cycles).

The company’s product portfolio includes more than 350 different types of batteries installed in over 9,000 applications. The customer base encompasses companies from a variety of sectors in 54 countries: automation, robotics, logistics, nautical systems, construction, aerial platforms, electric vehicles, agriculture, and airport ground support equipment.

With corporate headquarters in Sant’Ilario (Reggio Emilia, Italy), the company was established in 2012 (under the name Kaitek srl) by Marco Righi, CEO and Founder and Alan Pastorelli, CTO. Today, Flash Battery is part of the Elettric80 Group, a world-class industry leader in development of automated logistics solutions

Description of the project
Flash Battery is among the 17 European companies engaged in the Important Project of Common European Interest (IPCEI Summer on Batteries) which aims to strengthen the EU capacity in the industrial production of next-gen lithium batteries and support the environmental sustainability of the battery value chain. Flash Battery will develop an advanced Battery Management System specifically designed for new cell technologies, to safely exploit their best performances and lifecycle. It will also develop technologies for new generation battery systems available to industrial applications and sectors.

www.flashbattery.tech

Fortum Recycling & Waste

Fortum is a European energy company providing customers with electricity, gas, heating and cooling as well as smart solutions to improve resource efficiency. Together with its subsidiary Uniper,  Fortum is the third largest producer of CO2-free electricity in Europe with activities in more than 40 countries.

Finland

Description of the projects
IPCEI on Batteries Project: Production of sustainable battery chemicals from secondary raw materials.

The objective of the project is the first industrial deployment of sustainable battery chemical production from secondary raw materials. Fortum has developed a hydrometallurgical process to recover valuable metals from secondary raw materials such as recycled battery black mass, battery material production waste and other industrial side streams. The products from the process are returned back to the battery value chain as battery chemicals.

www.fortum.com

Keliber

Keliber Technology Oy (Keliber) is a Finland-based SME aiming at production of battery-grade lithium hydroxide (monohydrate) for the growing lithium-ion battery Industry.

Finland

Company’s own lithium ore will be used as raw material. Keliber will utilize sustainable and cost-effective soda pressure leaching technology for hydrometallurgical lithium extraction and lithium hydroxide production. The production is planned to start late 2024 and reach full annual capacity of 15 000 tons of lithium hydroxide monohydrate in 2025 comparable for production of about 25 GWh of lithium-ion batteries.

Description of the project
Keliber’s main objective is to further develop and optimize company’s production process and secure sustainable production of high-quality lithium hydroxide fulfilling the cost, quality, and safety requirements of the customers. Novel on-line monitoring techniques are used for the process and final product quality optimization. Additionally, Keliber will increase the cooperation with participating downstream processing companies for becoming a solid part of the European lithium-ion battery value chain.

www.keliber.fi/en

Nanocyl

Nanocyl SA is the industrial multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) expert and a worldwide industry leader in the development, manufacturing and sales of MWCNT and MWCNT formulated products.

Belgium

With its 460tons/year annual MWCNT production capacity, Nanocyl has been serving the automotive, electronic and battery industries for almost 20 years with its MWCNTs. In lithium-ion batteries, MWCNT are used as conductive additives in cathode and anode formulations. Thanks to their unique morphology and intrinsinc properties, MWCNT improve internal conductivity, energy density and capacity retention performances of Li-ion cells.

Description of the project
Nanocyl aims to develop a new high purity carbon nanotube showing the best morphology to maximize Li-ion cell performances and using innovative production processes that are more environmentally friendly than processes currently used by the industry.

www.nanocyl.com

SEEL Swedish Electric Transport Laboratory

The Swedish Electric Transport Laboratory (SEEL) is a joint venture company owned and run by Chalmers and RISE. SEEL will establish and operate a test center for research and development in the field of electromobility.

Sweden

Chalmers University of Technology in Gothenburg conducts research and education in technology and natural sciences at a high international level. RISE is an independent, state-owned group of research institutes in Sweden, which offers unique expertise and over 100 testbeds and demonstration environments for future-proof technologies, products and services.

Description of the project
The project will establish three facilities with the aim to consolidate efficient knowledge development and improve the conditions for collaboration in the field of electrified transport in Sweden and Europe. The automotive, aerospace and maritime sectors plus other developers in relevant areas will gain a common platform on which to meet, and will benefit from the knowledge development and technology shift currently taking place. Researchers will at the same time gain access to advanced research infrastructure in the field of electromobility. The test center will be operational by 2023.

www.ri.se/en/test-demo/seel

SYENSQO

Syensqo is a science company developing groundbreaking solutions that enhance the way we live, work, travel and play. Inspired by the scientific councils which Ernest Solvay initiated in 1911, we bring great minds together to push the limits of science and innovation for the benefit of our customers, with a diverse, global team of more than 13,000 associates in 30 countries. Our solutions contribute to safer, cleaner, and more sustainable products found in homes, food and consumer goods, planes, cars, batteries, smart devices and health care applications. Our innovation power enables us to deliver on the ambition of a circular economy and explore breakthrough technologies that advance humanity.

France, Italy, Belgium

In the Lithium Battery market Syensqo is focusing the majority of its activities in developing innovative materials that enable battery components (anodes, cathodes, electrolytes, separators..) and cells to improve their performance.

Description of the project

The focus of Syensqo’s innovation efforts in IPCEI projects is to bring new, innovative materials that will allow the advent of next generation batteries. Syensqo will develop advanced materials as new electrolytes ingredients, formulations and binders either for liquid electrolyte and solid-state systems that could enable the commercialization of GEN 3 and GEN 4 cells having higher energy densities and simultaneously lower costs and improved safety.

www.syensqo.com

Terrafame

Terrafame Oy (Terrafame), a multi-metal mining Finland-based company producing nickel, zinc and cobalt and with an objective of producing battery grade nickel and cobalt sulfate and a subsidiary of FMG.

Finland

Umicore AG & Co. KG

Umicore is a materials technology company with activities in the area of recycling, catalysis and energy and surface technologies. The Umicore group has production sites over the whole world and serves customers worldwide.

Germany

In 2019 Umicore has achieved 17 Milliard (3.3 w/o metal) Euro and has been employing 11150 coworkers. Based on many years of experience in the area of metallurgy and recycling Umicore has developed and installed the worldwide first industrial recycling process for Li-Ion, Li-Polymer and NiMH batteries with high metal recovery rates.

Description of the project
The objective of the project is the development of a safe and efficient concept for the collection, transport and storage of high volumes of End-of-Life (EoL) Batteries from Hybrid and battery electric vehicles (xEVs), and also of a highly efficient battery dismantling process as important pre-step for the metallurgical recycling in a technology center for battery recycling.

This contributes to the installation of a sustainable and safe circular economy and supply of technology metals for battery materials in Europe.

www.umicore.com

VARTA

VARTA AG produces and markets an extensive battery portfolio from microbatteries, household batteries, energy storage systems to customer-specific battery solutions for a wide range of applications.

Germany

As the group’s parent company, it operates in the business segments ‘Microbatteries & Solutions’ and ‘Household Batteries’.
 
The Microbatteries & Solutions segment focuses on the OEM business for microbatteries and on the lithium-ion battery pack business.
 
As an innovation leader in the microbattery sector and for hearing-aid microbatteries, the operating subsidiaries VARTA Microbattery GmbH and VARTA Micro Production GmbH aspire to establish overarching future market innovations in the field of Lithium-Ion batteries.

The VARTA AG group currently employs almost 4,000 people. With five production and manufacturing facilities in Europe and Asia as well as sales centers in Asia, Europe and the USA, the operating subsidiaries of VARTA AG are currently active in over 75 countries worldwide.

Description of the project
The objective of the project is the research and development of beyond state of the art Lithium-Ion cell designs and recipes, sustainable and efficient manufacturing processes as well as the industrialisation of the latest innovations of Lithium-Ion technology in Europe.
 
In the course of the individual project, VARTA will develop and industrialize battery cells and the necessary manufacturing processes which will exceed the state-of-the-art. The goal is to supply the markets with significantly more powerful and efficient products compared to today. Applications in the areas of the Internet of Things (“IOT”) or medical technology will equally benefit as industrial applications and automotive.

The major objectives are the increase of energy and power density on cell and system level combined with highly efficient and sustainable manufacturing processes on large scale.

www.varta.com

Participants of IPCEI European Battery Innovation (EuBatIn)

Alkeemia SpA

Direct Partner

ALKEEMIA is one of Europe’s largest producers of hydrofluoric acid and fluoroderivatives. The company provides through its plants in Porto Marghera (Venice) and Frankfurt, from which major manufacturers operating in the fluoropolymer, refrigerant, pharmaceutical, agrochemical, electronics, metallurgy, fertilizer, construction and other industries are supplied. 

Italy

With its technological expertise and great industrial tradition of respect and responsible development, ALKEEMIA works with quality and reliability alongside its partners to make the products of the future.

Description of the project

The project aims to develop an innovative production process of lithium hexafluorophosphate for use in electrolytes for lithium-ion batteries. Research activities will be aimed at defining complete parameters for the synthesis of high purity raw materials using low quality, waste, or recycled products. Taking advantage of the unique logistical position as well as the particularity of the Porto Marghera site, the natural consequence and further development of the project will be the birth of a new production line of raw materials for electrolytes in Europe.

https://www.alkeemia.com/ 

Alumina Systems

Direct Partner

Alumina Systems has been active in the field of vacuum-tight ceramic-metal and ceramic-ceramic components for more than 30 years and is a recognized technological leader in this field.

Germany

The company goes back to the Siemens KPW (Keramik- und Porzellanwerk) plant, which was founded in the 70s. Alumina Systems products are used as critical components in various demanding applications and industries as well as in laser, medical and vacuum technology systems. In the end of 2015, Alumina Systems started the first activities in the field of sodium-nickel-chloride-batteries (Na/NiCl2) with delivery of brazed components for research projects. Own activities finally started in 2019.

Description of the project

The aim of the project is to develop a small-scale production line for the verification of technology, feasibility and economical potential of Na/NiCl2 Systems for the European industry. In this scope, the required production techniques for the battery-cell-production and for the battery system-production will be developed and a proof-of-concept will be demonstrated on industrial scale. Long-term tests of battery cells and assembled battery systems have to be conducted in parallel to evaluate the influence of the production process on the cell- and system-properties.

www.alumina.systems

 

ams OSRAM

Associated Partner

Austria

Arkema

Direct Partner

Arkema is a French chemical major with leadership positions in specialty chemicals and high performance materials. With a turnover of 8.8 billion €, Arkema has 20,000 employees in more than 55 countries, 13 research centres worldwide, and a total of 136 production plants in Europe, North America and Asia and the rest of the world.

 

France

Arkema is organized into three business segments: Coating Solutions, Industrial Chemicals, and Performance Products. For green energy technologies, the Arkema Group provides advanced materials for photovoltaics, wind power applications, and Li-ion batteries. In the latter segment, Arkema provides solutions all along the value chain - from raw materials to recycling.

Inside the cell, the materials portfolio spans from cathode and anode binders, to separator coatings solutions, electrolytes salts and additives, as well as carbon nanotubes.

Description of the project

LION. The first project aims to develop and upscale an innovative production process that allows the production, under cost-optimized and environment friendly conditions, of an ultra-pure electrolyte salt, namely LIFSI and related additives. These materials will improve drastically the batteries safety and fit perfectly with high voltages and fast charge batteries within either the present or future battery technologies.

PureCNT. The second project aims to develop and upscale a fundamentally innovative continuous purification process of Multi-Wall Carbon Nanotubes (MWCNTs) that allows the production, under cost-efficient and environment friendly conditions. These MWCNTs will improve drastically the energy density capacity and provide longer battery lifetime and better power.

www.arkema.com

Aurora Lithium S.A.

Associated Partner

Aurora Lithium S.A. (Aurora) is a pioneering joint venture between Galp Energias (Portugal) and Northvolt AB (Sweden), based in Europe. Aurora aims to establish the continent’s most sustainable lithium refinery, focusing on producing high-purity, battery-grade lithium hydroxide crucial for the lithium-ion battery industry. By utilizing innovative, environmentally friendly, and cost-efficient methods, Aurora is set to drive the energy transition and strengthen the European battery value chain. Our state-of-the-art lithium conversion plant in Setúbal, Portugal, will play a significant role in reducing EU LiOH import dependence, promoting economic growth, and aligning with the EU's sustainability objectives.

Portugal

Aurora Lithium's project focuses on establishing a high-performance lithium conversion facility to produce 32,000 tons of lithium hydroxide annually, of which 8,000 tons from intermediates, enough to power over 800,000 electric vehicles. This plant will incorporate cutting-edge technologies and sustainable practices, such as the electrification of key processes, the use of renewable energy, reduced water consumption and the incorporation of circularity in every step of the process. Our innovative approach includes flexibility to accept various feedstocks, minimizing waste, and optimizing resource efficiency. Recognized as a key project in Portugal and in Europe, our facility aims to set a new benchmark for sustainability in the battery sector. 

https://www.linkedin.com/company/auroralithium/

Austrian Institute for Technology: AIT

Associated Partner

Austria

AVL

Direct Partner

AVL is the world's largest independent company for the development, simulation and testing of powertrain systems and their integration into various vehicle types.

Austria

AVL provides complete and integrated development environments, measurement and test systems as well as state-of-the-art simulation methods for the development and optimization of powertrain systems.
As a pioneer in the field of innovative solutions, AVL is increasingly taking on new tasks in the field of autonomous driving, as well as diverse electrification strategies for powertrains, including battery systems and fuel cell systems.

Description of the project

Within the IPCEI project, AVL is targeting to enhance the overall quality within module and pack production starting at the incoming inspection of different cell types throughout the complete assembly process. In addition, AVL will develop new processes within the module production to reduce overall cost and efforts. Furthermore the topic of zero net CO2 production environment will also be covered by our project in detail and is supposed to end in a lighthouse factory approach. As a base factory environment the Battery Innovation Center by AVL as an European R&D hub will be available soon.

www.avl.com

Battronics AG

Associated Partner

Battronics is a SME working on 3 topics: 1) Battery Tech & patent analysis, 2) Battery aging analysis, 3) Supply chain analysis of Li, Ni, Co, NCM, graphite. We support IPCEI and EBA250 companies with our three analysis topics to make Europe resilient and strong.

Switzerland

We bring a full background of patent landscape, new cell technologies, aging analysis and prediction and supply chain tracking to IPCEI to support the European Battery Value Chain.

www.battronics.com

Beyonder

Associated Partner

Norway

BMW

Direct Partner

With its four brands BMW, MINI, Rolls-Royce and BMW Motorrad, the BMW Group is the world’s leading premium manufacturer of automobiles and motorcycles and also provides premium financial and mobility services.

Germany

The BMW Group production network comprises 31 production and assembly facilities in 15 countries; the company has a global sales network in more than 140 countries.

In 2019, the BMW Group sold over 2.5 million passenger vehicles and more than 175,000 motorcycles worldwide. The profit before tax in the financial year 2019 was € 7.118 billion on revenues amounting to € 104.210 billion. As of 31 December 2019, the BMW Group had a workforce of 126,016 employees.

The success of the BMW Group has always been based on long-term thinking and responsible action. The company has therefore established ecological and social sustainability throughout the value chain, comprehensive product responsibility and a clear commitment to conserving resources as an integral part of its strategy.

Description of the project

BMW’s project targets within the framework of „IPCEI on Batteries“ are design (including definition of cell chemistry), development, prototype production and testing of a highly innovative generation of Lithium ion battery cells. Therefore, several battery cells sample prototypes are built, tested and analyzed. The final target cell will be manufactured on the newly set-up battery cell pilot plant and as proof of concept fully validated as basis for subsequent industrialization by a European cell supplier.
Another significant part of the project is the design of an improved and innovative module and battery pack targeting substantial reduction of production time, cost reduction, increase of energy density (on module and pack level), but in particular leading to a significantly improved recycling ability (e.g. less complicated automated dismantling, optimization of material mix…) as a base of recirculation of materials into production process (circular economy).

www.bmwgroup.com

 

Borealis

Direct Partner

Austria

Cellforce Group

Direct Partner

Cellforce GmbH is a company founded in 2020, whose main goal is to establish cell production capacities for high-energy pouch cells for automotive applications in Europe.

Germany

This is not only intended to reduce the supply gap in the field of automotive applications, but also the knowledge gap between R&D and series production.

Description of the project

The goal of the Cellforce project is to develop a high energy pouch cell with extremely low internal resistance. These cells will be able to combine the need for high energy densities with the requirement for fast charging. In addition, a high-quality production line for these cells will be set up as a blueprint for later ramp-up phases. The project uses world-class equipment and state-of-the-art technology to provide a cell product that is competitive on a global scale.

www.cellforce.de

 

Cenate

Associated Partner

Cenate is a company developing and manufacturing next generation silicon based anode materials for use in lithium-ion batteries, mainly for the rapidly growing EV battery market. By replacing graphite with our silicon nanocomposite materials, the battery energy density and the EV driving range increase significantly, and the carbon emissions from production are nearly eliminated. The company has a pilot plant at Tomter (near Oslo, Norway) and research/HQ office in Oslo.

Portugal

In the IPCEI project, Cenate will develop its innovative production processes for the initial product to industrial maturity in the first Giga scale silicon anode materials plant on the European continent – delivering thereafter a 3 GWh/year supply capacity to the European EV industry and building a platform for subsequent rapid growth. The project will also include further product development, including a new product suitable for a silicon dominant anode, where most of the graphite in the anode is replaced with silicon. Lastly, the project will include development of a product with so long lifetime that it can possibly be used in buses and trucks – and thereby also be suitable for recycling in the passenger EV market.

www.cenate.com   

delfortgroup AG (Papierfabrik Wattens)

Associated Partner

delfortgroup AG (Papierfabrik Wattens) is a leading supplier of ultralight specialty papers, with global operations and employing over 3,200 skilled experts. delfort has engineered next-generation separators for energy storage applications.

Austria

We are an experienced partner for joint industry developments and our target is to become a key supplier for fiber-based separators within the battery industry. The separators are designed for high performance cells with maximum energy densities, fast charging rates and a high safety standard.

In the context of this project and through collaboration with IPCEI partners Papierfabrik Wattens aims to excel the sector for fiber-based separators for energy storage devices. Separator thickness is one of the most critical parameters in the industry as it contributes to increased energy density levels. The objective is to achieve the development milestone of 12 µm thickness, while maintaining a high level of consistency, uniformity, and quality.

www.delfortgroup.com

ElringKlinger

Direct Partner

ElringKlinger AG - Development and industrialization of an innovative cell housing design

Germany

ElringKlinger is a major Tier 1 supplier for the automotive industry, with around 10,000 employees in 45 locations across the world. The company has been developing lithium-ion battery related products since early 2000 and its background in production of components for the automotive industry means there is a strong focus on design for cost-effective mass production. The company’s core competencies (which include sheet metal forming, injection moulding, tooling, joining, coating, and assembly) lead to lithium-ion battery (LIB) cell housings being a significant value-adding opportunity. In terms of the cell housing components, ElringKlinger has expertise in sealings, cell lid design and manufacturing, as well as experience in the use of lithium-ion cells for the assembly of battery modules and systems.

Description of the project

ElringKlinger will contribute to a competitive, European battery value chain by developing and industrializing an innovative cell housing design. The new design will reduce the number and complexity of components in the cell housings and the consumption of energy-intensive raw materials such as aluminum and copper. ElringKlinger will thus be making a sustainable contribution to climate-neutral, European battery cell production.

Endurance

Direct Partner

Endurance Spa, subsidiary of Endurance Overseas, the European holding company of the Endurance Group, is a Tier One supplier to European automotive OEMs, focusing on engine and transmission components.

Italy

Products portfolio includes rough and machined aluminium castings (both high pressure and gravity die castings), module assembling (i.e. valve covers for ICE - Internal Combustion Engine). Endurance’s vision relies on achieving and maintaining leadership in technology and product reliability, growing as a complete solution provider of automotive components, staying ahead in a rapidly evolving market .

Description of the project

Endurance is willing to develop innovative swapping battery modules housings, ready for both transportation and other applications, designed for easy handling, lower environmental impact and better materials management and recycling.       
The swapping concept (meaning a battery unit easily taken-off from the system to which is providing energy to be re-allocated in a charging system designed on purpose) will be applied not only for shortening charging time of battery systems in transportation (i.e. E-Car, E-scooters, E- motorcycles, E-bikes), but also for energy storage in civil appliances, generating second revenue streams for the same product, helping in lowering prices for EVs, setting-up an environment friendly approach and support urban community’s habits evolution towards E-products .

www.enduranceoverseas.com

 

 

 

ENEA

Associated Partner

ENEA is the National Agency for New Technologies, Energy and Sustainable Economic Development, a public body aimed at research, technological innovation, and the provision of advanced services to businesses, public administration, and citizens. His sectors of interest are energy technologies (renewable sources, energy storage, smart grids).

Italy

ENEA's primary objective will be to develop electrochemically active materials, characterized by greater capacity and efficiency. Not only is the activity aimed at creating lighter and longer-lasting systems, but also to find solutions that are safe for users and for the environment and fundamentally cheaper than current storage technologies. Additionally, the Advanced Battery Laboratory (AB-Lab) will be built to assist the industry. The AB-LAb is conceived as a flexible and multipurpose platform where it is possible to carry out the entire production process for the creation of newly developed batteries, optimized end-of-life management, and innovative recycling.

https://www.enea.it/en/

Enel X

Direct Partner

Enel X, Enel Group’s global business line, is a leader in the energy sector, offering services that accelerate innovation and boost the energy transition.

Italy

Through its advanced solutions, Enel X provides each partner with an ecosystem of tech platforms and consulting services, focusing on sustainability and circular economy principles in order to provide an alternative model that respects the environment and integrates technological innovation into daily life. Each solution has the power to turn decarbonization, electrification and digitalization goals into sustainable actions for everyone.

Description of the projects

Enel X is proposing 3 projects:
•    High Power Chargers for EVs with Battery Storage, with innovative and flexible architecture also for providing grid services, and with some sites equipped with second life batteries
•    Advanced SW for optimally managing Battery Energy Storage systems, also applied to second life batteries,
•    Recycling of EV and stationary batteries: R&D&I activities on advanced automatization,  optimization of processes, definition of best practice for optimally managing exhausted batteries

www.enelx.com

ENERGO-AQUA

Direct Partner

ENERGO-AQUA a.s. has been operating on the Slovak hydro power market since 2004 and its aim is to prepare, implement and operate small hydropower plants.

Slovakia

At the beginning, it focused mainly on energy consulting services. Since then, the company diversified its business portfolio, and its core activities are:

  • providing energy services to produce electricity from renewable energy sources (RES) through the operation of SHPP,
  • providing engineering and supervising in the field of energy,
  • production of green electricity from RES,
  • modernization of existing operating hydroelectric power plants.

Description of the project

The project focuses on the development and production of a battery energy storage system based on 2nd life batteries (SLB ESS). In applications, SLBESS are no different from energy storage built on new modules. It is the price that plays a crucial role in their use and also significant environmental benefits.
In its RDI part, the project solves the management of SLB modules, design of equipment, and components of SLBESS. The product of the project is a containerised energy storage system based on SLB, designed especially for the application.

www.energoaqua.sk

 

ENGITEC

Direct Partner

ENGITEC Technologies S.p.A. is an engineering and contracting company designing and building plants based on its own technologies and processes mainly in the field of non-ferrous metals and is qualified to build small, mid-sized and large industrial plants in-house, from the definition of technology to erection and start-up.

Italy

The company’s research and development activity has resulted in development and implementation of unique technologies for recycling and transformation of highly polluting and dangerous wastes.
“Inspiring Innovation” is the key Company Mission of ENGITEC, which is pursued daily by developing recycling technologies to enable efficiency and environmental compliance.

Description of the project

The Engitec project is relevant to the development of a technology for the recycling of all kinds of spent lithium batteries on the market. The project will develop, starting from the research and development phase: a first laboratory plant, a pilot plant to be operated in the facility of our IPCEI partner and to show to the stakeholders, scale-up engineering, a first industrial plant up to the construction of other industrial plants.

www.engitec.com

 

Ferroglobe

Direct Partner

Ferroglobe is one of the world’s largest producers of silicon metal and its alloys, and manganese alloys. The company uses state-of-the-art-technology in its production processes, supplying critical ingredients for many industrial and consumer products, from silicones to solar power cells, from steel to aluminium to foundry components.

Spain

Ferroglobe operates its own quartz mines (Spain, South Africa and the USA) and blue gem coal mines (USA) to guarantee top quality raw materials. Ferroglobe counts amongst its clients the largest companies in chemical silicones, polysilicon, aluminium and steel.

Description of the project

The goal of the project is the development of advanced silicon active material for the anode of Li-ion batteries in a cost-effective way and with the lower carbon footprint possible.  More concretely, the development of High Purity Silicon Powder either in micrometric size or in nanometric size.  We work closely with potential customers to understand their needs regarding their approach to the use of silicon in the anode, and we try our best to design a tailor made solution for them.

 

Fondazione Bruno Kessler: FBK

Associated Partner

Italy

Fortum

Direct Partner

Fortum Oy is a leading clean-energy company that provides its customers with electricity, heating and cooling as well as smart solutions to improve resource efficiency and recycling.

Finland

Fortum wants to engage its customers and society at large to join the change for a cleaner world. Fortum is a LE.

The aim of the project is a first industrial deployment of a comprehensive battery recycling service concept. The project comprises the digital tools for battery state-of-healt analysis, 2nd life application, safe logistics and mechanical recycling process for end-of-life batteries. The concept maximizes the value of a battery after the first life phase and ensures the efficient recycling of the battery components.

www.fortum.com

 

FPT Industrial

Direct Partner

FPT Industrial is a brand of CNH Industrial, dedicated to the design, production and sale of powertrains for on and off-road vehicles, marine and power generation applications.

Italy

The company employs more than 8,000 people worldwide, in ten manufacturing plants and eight R&D Centres. The brand is the leader in the low emission engines and offers the most complete Natural Gas line-up on the market for industrial applications. In 2018, FPT Industrial displayed its e-Powertrain organization, boost its effort in this segment.

Description of the project

FPT Industrial’s priorities at the R&D&I stage include the development of a battery pack design with a modular concept using a top-down approach based on target industrial on- and off-road application, and new specific BMS hardware and software developed to adapt to the modular battery pack concept. Its activities at the Final Investment Decision stage include the final product testing and validation of battery packs at vehicle level, as well as the installation, upscaling and optimisation of the finale production lines.

www.fptindustrial.com

 

 

Green Energy Storage

Direct Partner

GES is an Italian innovative SME that develops redox flow batteries for energy storage applications. The current technology is based on a Harvard patent about a semi-organic flow battery, of which GES bought exclusive rights in 2015. Since its foundation, the company proceeded rapidly with product development with an expedited engineering process designed to build the first 1kW prototype in 2016 and four 2.5 kW prototypes successfully tested in 2018.

Italy

GES has developed internal know-how, from R&D&I activities on advanced battery electrodes, membranes, electrolytes and testing of battery cells to full battery system manufacturing

Description of the project

The major innovative nature of the project lies in the fact that GES works on an alternative and emerging technology, different from standard Li-ion. Energy storage will play a key role in the future, and this technology has the advantage of power and energy independent scalability that will fulfil different customer’s needs. Compared to current RFBs, GES ones will be safer, more performing, recyclable and they will be produced with renewable energy, i.e. with a very low CO2 footprint. The foreseen new FID infrastructure will combine high-quality processes, state-of-the-art equipment, and top-level competences.

http://www.greenenergystorage.eu

 

Hydrometal

Direct Partner

Established for more than 30 years in Engis near Liège (Belgium), HYDROMETAL is a major recycling and recovery centre for a very wide range of materials (over 70,000t / year), by-products or complex residues containing non-ferrous metals, in particular: Zn, Ni, Cu, Pb, Sn, Co, other minor metals, precious metals and rare earths.

Belgium

Hydrometal's expertise is based on different hydrometallurgical processes, unique in the world, which consume very little energy and generate only small amounts of CO2 and ultimate waste.

Its industrial activity is strongly linked to the Zn element with the production pure Zn salts. The recycling of Co, Ni and Li is also part of its know-how.

Description of the project

Hydrometal’s project is an innovative alternative to the state-of-the-art techniques. It offers:

  • An improved and innovative full hydrometallurgical recycling process for the “black mass” coming from pre-treatment of spent Li-ion battery, that allow multi-elements recovery including lithium and graphite, that can be integrated as secondary raw materials in existing production lines.
  • An original way to recover Co that consumes less energy than pyrometallurgical processes
  • A Method to improve the global recovery yield of all the elements including F, Mn, graphite.

The project of Hydrometal allows to close the recycling loop by carrying out last step of recycling and first step of raw material production, useful for new batteries production.

www.jgi-hydrometal.be

 

 

InoBat Energy

Direct Partner

InoBat Energy is a Slovak based company that wants to develop and manufacture its own RFB energy storage system as an Energy Center for long-duration large-scale energy storage, which is not deployed anywhere in the world and represents the state-of-the-art in energy storage systems.

Slovakia

Description of the project

InoBat Energy will develop and deploy the first of its kind RFB energy storage system as an Energy Center and will create IP on the EU level to be disseminated worldwide.
The Energy Center has a potential to play a crucial role in enabling the next phase of the world’s energy transition and decarbonisation efforts. It will be designed for utility scale applications with scalable design from 5MW to 100MW.The InoBat Energy project involves:

  • Unique R&D&I activities resulting in development of own RFB energy storage system as an Energy Center for long-duration storage at large scale.
  • Pilot Energy Center resulting in development and deployment of the first of its kind energy centre and the AI EMS required for deployment.

www.inobat.eu

 

Italmatch Chemicals

Direct Partner

Italmatch Chemicals is a Global Specialty Chemical Group, leader in Phosphorus Derivatives for Flame Retardants, Plastics Additives, Lubricant, Water & Oil, Detergency.

Italy

With 17 manufacturing plants worldwide (7 in Europe) and 6 excellence R&D centre, Italmatch is active in mainly 4 sectors:

  1. Performance Products: from specialty phosphorus based derivatives to fatty acid chlorides and esters. Main markets are intermediates for lithium battery electrolytes, precious metal recycling, special mining additives, agrochemicals, pharma and cosmetics
  2. Flame retardants and plastic additives: from red phosphorus to halogen free flame retardants through high spec additives. Main markets are engineering thermoplastics and polyolefins
  3. Lubricant Performance Additives: polymeric and complex esters, phosphorus pentasulfide, amides, EP additives, hydraulic fluids, grease additives and MWF additives. Main markets are intermediates, additives & components for industrial and automotive lubrication and metal working
  4. Advanced Water Solutions: from corrosion inhibitors to removing, recovery and cleaning based on the most innovative chemistry. Main markets are desalination, water treatment, geothermal, O&G, I&I and valuable metals recovery

Description of the project

PARSES aims at developing various phosphorus-based additives, to feed the battery value chain at different levels, through:

  1. WP1- LiPF6 Manufacturing Plant, the first-in-its-kind in Europe (in collaboration with Fluorsid): establishing the first-in-its-kind LiPF6 (Lithium Ion Battery electrolyte precursor) manufacturing pilot plant in Europe, to pave the road for European commercial production, fulfilling the local Li-Ion Battery needs and contribute to the European independency transition.
  2. WP2- All-Solid-State-Lithium-Batteries (ASSLBs) and All-Solid-State-Lithium-Sulphur-Batteries (ASSLSBs)   Material Development Contribution: exploring and setting up a pioneering phosphorus penta-sulphide (P2S5, solid electrolytes precursor) pilot plant in Europe, to feed the solid electrolytes producers inside and outside the Italian context with a suitable material meeting the requirements of the IPCEI  circular battery value chain.
  3. WP3- Nickel, Cobalt, Lithium and other are rare-earth elements recovery from exhausted batteries – Development of new chemistry / co-formulations for a sustainable hydrometallurgy recycling process: developing innovative IoT integrated chemical technologies towards an efficient recovery of Lithium, Cobalt  and Nickel in partnership with several intra-European participants to the initiative, in a concept of circular economy and environmental sustainability

www.italmatch.com

 

 

K1-MET

Associated Partner

K1-MET’s research work is focused on sustainable and climate-neutral metallurgy. Regarding sustainability and circular economy, the focus is on process development and product quality in ferrous and non-ferrous metallurgy as well as closing material cycles by treating and reusing by-products (dusts, slags etc.).

Austria

Decarbonization is about demonstrating industrial processes in ferrous and non-ferrous metallurgy by using hydrogen. With regards to sector coupling, the conversion of CO2 represents an important aspect (e.g., synthetic methane using hydrogen) to ensure that CO2 becomes a valuable material. Process diagnostics and advanced data analytics coupled with single- and multiphase flow simulation are the cornerstones of another research area aiming at a real-time monitoring of metallurgical processes.

FuLIBatteR stands for "Future Lithium-Ion Battery Recycling for Recovery of Critical Raw Materials" and is dedicated to sustainable recovery of critical raw materials (CRMs) and valuable metals from lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). Its primary objectives include closing the gap in material cycles, establishing an eco-friendly battery value chain, and ensuring a secure supply of raw materials. Innovative physical, pyrometallurgical and bio-hydrometallurgical treatment approaches that surpass conventional techniques will turn waste into valuable secondary raw materials embracing sustainability, reducing CO2 emissions, and driving the EU to the forefront of battery recycling.

https://www.k1-met.com/en/modul_fulibatter

Keliber

Direct Partner

Keliber is a Finnish SME aiming at production of battery-grade lithium hydroxide (monohydrate) for the growing Lithium-Ion Battery Industry. Company’s own lithium ore will be used as raw material.

Finland

Keliber will utilize sustainable and cost-effective soda pressure leaching technology for hydrometallurgical lithium extraction and lithium hydroxide production. The production is planned to start late 2024 and reach full annual capacity of 15 000 tons of lithium hydroxide monohydrate in 2025 comparable for production of about 25 GWh of lithium-ion batteries.

Description of the project

Keliber’s objective is to develop responsible and sustainable sourcing and processing of primary and secondary lithium resources.  

www.keliber.fi

 

Lifthium Energy

Associated Partner

Lithium Energy is a pioneering Portuguese company aiming to be at the forefront of the energy transition, currently testing a revolutionary technology centered around electrolysis to produce high-grade lithium for batteries. Lifthium's ambition is to provide sustainable and high-quality lithium hydroxide to promote energy transition and contribute to making electric mobility accessible to all.

Portugal

Lifthium believes that its innovative approach could mark a significant leap forward in sustainable lithium production, promising to reshape the landscape of the European energy transition ecosystem towards the sound establishment of electric mobility. With a planned investment of a billion euros by 2030, Lifthium aims to have two lithium refinement factories operation in Europe with a refining capacity of 50 thousand tons, intending to supply lithium hydroxide to over two million vehicles annually. As leaders in advancing clean energy technologies, Lithium Energy is poised to contribute to the global shift towards greener and more efficient battery technologies.

www.Lifthiumenergy.com 

Liofit

Direct Partner

Liofit will apply the principle of circular economy to Li-ion batteries of micro-electromobility (pedelecs, e-scooters).

Germany

These batteries will be tested, dismantled, recombined and repaired. Batteries that can no longer be reused are discharged and shredded in an environmentally friendly manner so that the raw materials can be reused. Battery and recycling know-how are brought together under one roof, thus contributing to more climate-friendly mobility. Milestones already achieved include a bicycle battery database with over 600 different types, inverter-based dischargers and various module disassembly strategies.

LITTLE ELECTRIC CAR

Direct Partner

LITTLE ELECTRIC CAR SPAIN is a manufacturer of electric vehicles, battery packs and special projects.

Spain

Born in 2008, when the first electric vehicule, the Little4, was designed by engineers from Spain, France and Portugal. Little Spain was established in 2010 as a company specialized in multidisciplinar electric vehicles: delivering, special transport, water electric karts and electrification. Now, Little offers battery packs with its innovative project “2econd life Battery Packs“.

Description of the project

Collection of batteries from differents brands and models of electric vehicules at its end of life, analysis of that batteries, classification according to their state of life and the later use in the construction of new Energy Sotorage Systems. We innovate in three aspects: Creating an automated process, Logistics 4.0, which register the traceability of all components, from scrap yards or workshops to the finished product. Create a systematized process of tests and records of the collected products and third; the development of a specific software for ESS management.

www.little-cars.es

 

Manz

Direct Partner

Founded in 1987, Manz AG is a high-tech mechanical engineering company that operates worldwide.

Germany, Italy

In addition to the turnkey CIGSfab production line in the Solar segment, the company focuses on the automotive industry in the Electronics and Energy Storage segments with economical and competitive equipment for the production of lithium-ion batteries - from the cell to the finished pack - and automated assembly lines for cell contacting systems.
The company group, which has been listed in Germany since 2006, employs 1,500 people in eight countries.

Description of the project

The goal of the "Lithium-Ion Battery Factory of the Future (LBF)" is to develop innovative machines and processes for the production of Generation 3 (Gen3a and Gen3b) and Generation 4 (Gen4) lithium batteries. Specifically, this involves production processes and the associated equipment based on a new, digitized and more cost-effective business model.
Manz will thus make an effective contribution to accelerating the transition to all-solid-state batteries and to building a sustainable and competitive battery industry in Europe.

www.manz.com

Materials Center Leoben (MCL)

Associated Partner

The Materials Center Leoben (MCL) is Austria´s leading research centre in the field of materials research and process technology. The strategic objective of the MCL is to develop new expertise by initiating and supporting long-term research collaboration between science and industry in top-level research.  The general research program of MCL focuses on “Integrated Computational Materials, Process and Product Engineering”. In particular we accelerate the development of new and improved materials, parts and components for green mobility, microelectronics and energy technology.through computer-aided technologies based on high-end characterization, measurement data, physical models and artificial intelligence (AI).

Austria

The scope of the project is to foster accelerated & sustainable material- and cell-development, incorporating unique modern experimental characterization as well as computational artificial intelligence-based analysis tools on different length-scales. We provide knowledge with respect to underlying degradation mechanism on material and cell level in context to the cell performance and processing. Enhanced knowledge about the process-structure-property relationship is delivered by the MCL to boost the development of advanced and sustainable materials, innovative battery cells, and green batteries.

www.mcl.at 

Miba

Direct Partner

Miba AG is one of the leading partners to the international automotive industries.

Austria

Miba is a technology driven company with a significant research and development capability that resulted in 54 patents in 2019. Many of them in eMobility and Batteries.
Miba Battery Systems GmbH ocuses on battery components (cooling/heating/sensing), safety components and electric motors (engineering and production equipment). Miba eMobility GmbH is introducing an innovative battery cooling system compatible with structural battery pack design – the liquid based and flexible heat exchanger FLEXcooler®, improving energy density, safety, resource efficiency and recyclability.

Description of the project

The IPCEI project suggested by Miba evolves around the challenge to advance the design, materials and production to the innovative heat exchanger product in a trend-setting development and production facility “FLEXfab”.
The activities will be in the following work streams:

  • battery systems (WS3, main activity)
  • recycling and sustainability (WS4, effected activity)

www.miba.com

 

 

MIBA BATTERY SYSTEMS

Direct Partner

MIBA BATTERY SYSTEMS GmbH is a high-tech company with focus on battery development and battery module/pack production.

Austria

The company was officially founded in 2019 but the starting point for R&D in the field of batteries go back to the year 2008. MIBA BATTERY SYSTEMS´s long term strategy is to become a leading provider of battery packs with a competitive edge in reliability, safety and cleanness. The manufacturing processes will be decentralized with flexible production facilities. This production points will be called VOLTfactory®.

Description of the project

The intention of the MIBA BATTERY SYSTEMS IPCEI project is to realize a highly automated, cutting-edge battery-pack production that serves as lighthouse for innovative/flexible and regional production of outstanding products in a high-cost country in the heart of Europe.

www.mibabattery.com

 

 

Midac

Direct Partner

Midac SpA is an Italian company founded in 1989 that produces lead batteries for motive power automotive and stand-by use.

Italy

Since 2014, MIDAC SpA has started the design, development, and production of Li-ion batteries, supported by a strong investment plan in the sector. Midac Spa has two manufacturing plants in Italy (Soave VR and Cremona) and subsidiaries operating in Germany, France, UK, Ireland, Sweden, and Australia. Today Midac is among the European leaders in the production of motive power batteries.

Description of the project

Midac Spa aims the creation of a truly circular value chain regarding the manufacturing and recovery of lithium batteries. MIDAC project cover three IPCEI Work Streams:WS2, WS3 and WS4. Starting from the collection of spent LiBs, MIDAC will be sorting modules/cells for “second use” or “direct recycling”. Through the construction of a recycling plant, MIDAC will obtain raw materials to produce new cells to manufacture “First life” battery pack to be sold it in the industrial field. Using the sorted modules/cells, “second life” batteries will be manufactured to be sold in the energy storage field.

www.midacbatteries.com

 

Morrow Batteries ASA

Associated Partner

Morrow Batteries ASA is a Norwegian industrial technology company speeding up the energy transition with cost-effective and sustainable batteries. Morrow Batteries is fully European owned and deeply embedded in European R&D and industrial networks, with owners including Siemens, ABB, the Danish pension fund PKA, Nysnø Climate Investments, Noah AS and Å Energy. In 2024, Morrow will open the first battery cell factory in Arendal, Norway.

Norway

The project pioneers the use of the cathode active material LNMO in battery cell production: It will technically develop, qualify, and produce prototypes of prismatic LNMO battery cells. Morrow will be the first battery cell manufacturer in the world to industrialise and commercialise the LNMO technology, constituting a significant contribution to IPCEI EuBatIn’s overarching objective of enabling large-scale, competitive and sustainable production of next-generation lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) in Europe. The project draws on and scales two decades of groundbreaking research on innovative cell technology that has been conducted across European scientific communities. The LNMO technology represents a breakthrough in performance, cost and sustainability and creates a technological edge that bolsters European competitiveness.

https://www.morrowbatteries.com/

Northvolt

Direct Partner

Northvolt is a European supplier of sustainable, high-quality battery cells and systems.

Germany, Sweden

Founded in 2016 to enable the European transition to a decarbonized future, the company has made swift progress on its mission to deliver the world’s greenest lithium-ion battery with a minimal CO2 footprint. As of February 2021, Northvolt has grown to over 1,100 people, representing over 70 nationalities.

Description of the project

Northvolt designs cells and battery systems for automotive, heavy transport, mining, and energy industries, and is also active in developing an ecosystem of battery recycling facilities.
Northvolt’s first battery gigafactory is currently under construction in Skellefteå, northern Sweden. Spread over approximately 500,000 square meters, Northvolt Ett is Europe’s first homegrown Li-ion gigafactory and the only one in the world to be powered with 100% renewable energy. The facility will serve as Northvolt’s primary site for manufacturing of active material, cell assembly, and recycling. Large-scale manufacturing will commence in 2021 and annual capacity will ramp up to at least 32 GWh by 2024, with the potential to expand to 40 GWh in the future.

www.northvolt.com

 

Rimac Automobili

Direct Partner

Rimac Automobili Ltd is a young, fast progressing company, founded in 2009.

Croatia

Main business is development and production of the world’s highest performance electric sportscars and key components for vehicle electrification. Hyundai Motor Corporation, Kia Motors and Porsche are minority shareholders and investors in Rimac. The main technology field are battery systems, powertrain systems of high-performance and high efficiency, cutting-edge chargers and DC/DC converter, autonomous driving systems infotainment system hardware and software and Torque Vectoring & controls algorithms.

Description of the project

Within this IPCEI application, Rimac will be performing three battery systems related R&D projects, setting up infrastructure for realization and industrialization of project results (R&D lab, battery testing facility, pilot production plant and implementation of industry 4.0 processes and methods). The goal is to be the battery-system technology leader in the high-performance segment, with highest energy and power density on the market as well as to have a safe, cost-effective and scalable system that can be quickly adapted to many applications.

www.rimac-automobili.com

 

 

Rosendahl Nextrom

Direct Partner

Rosendahl Nextrom GmbH is a high innovative world market and technology leader in the lead-acid battery and fiber and cable machinery industry and in developing new production technologies for Lithium-ion batteries.

Austria

Description of the project

The development of innovative production systems is an important key factor to improve European competitiveness in the field of battery production. Current assembly concepts resulting in rigid systems which are not allowing any kind of flexibility without installing additional workarounds.

We are focusing on a highly flexible production solution without sacrificing the cost-effectiveness of flow production and having the ability to be easy scalable.

A core element includes a R&D&I centre to carry out process and production developments to reach a new agile automated manufacturing solution.

The activities will be in the following work streams:

  • battery systems (WS3, main activity)

https://rosendahlnextrom.com/bm/

 

SGL Carbon

Direct Partner

We are leaders in the development and manufacture of products based on carbon, graphite, carbon fibers, and fiber-reinforced composites.

Germany, Poland

In partnership with our customers, we develop intelligent, trendsetting, and sustainable solutions that deliver a clear benefit. With our in-depth material, engineering, and application know-how, we make a substantial contribution to the major future topics mobility, energy, and digitization.

Description of the project

With the development and industrialization of novel manufacturing processes and recycling concepts for innovative anode materials, SGL Carbon aims to make an essential contribution to establishing a sustainable and competitive European value chain and circular economy for lithium-ion batteries. The EU climate targets will be significantly supported by the resulting improved carbon footprint, reduced material and energy use, and increased battery lifetime.

https://www.sglcarbon.com

Simoldes Plásticos

Associated Partner

Headquartered in Portugal, Simoldes Plásticos is a key component of the multinational Simoldes, and develops and supplies automotive components, specialized in injection molding, decor (painting), wrapping, covering processes, press cover, and interior lighting. With a worldwide industrial presence, Simoldes Plastics operates 7 plants in Europe, 1 in Morocco, 2 in Brazil, and maintains advanced warehouses for just-in-time & sequencing service logistics. Serving major OEMs like VW Group, Stellantis, Renault, Toyota, BMW, and Volvo Trucks, our comprehensive value chain covers innovation to logistics. Determined in our quest for innovative solutions, we continually challenge the limits of what can be achieved, aiming to be the preferred choice of our customers, employees, and suppliers, while contributing to a sustainable growth and satisfying our stakeholders.

Portugal

Simoldes’ initiative focuses on creating high-performance sodium-ion cells for both stationary and mobility applications, prioritizing sustainability, safety, and affordability. This project is set to develop and validate this emerging technology in real-world scenarios, laying the groundwork for a future manufacturing plant capable of producing cells with an annual capacity of 250MWh.

https://www.simoldes.com/en/plastics-companies/simoldes-plasticos/

Skeleton Technologies

Direct Partner

Skeleton Technologies is Europe’s leading producer of Ultracapacitors. The innovative company was founded 2009 in Estonia and is active in Germany since 2013.

Germany

Since 2018, Skeleton Technologies GmbH produces Ultracapacitors for the global market in our plant in Saxony. Ultracapacitors are high power energy storage devices which can be charged and discharged in fractions of seconds and withstand over 1,000,000 charge-discharge cycles. Skeleton Technologies aims at doubling the energy density of Ultracapacitors, using its’ patented „Curved Graphene“ technology.

Description of the project

A sustainable European value chain for Lithium Ion batteries requires the development of hybrid energy storage devices which combine the advantages of Lithium Ion Batteries (high energy density) with those of Ultracapacitors (high power density, long lifetime). In order to decrease costs for these systems, the costs for Ultracapacitors need to decrease, which requires significantly more automation in Ultracapacitor production. The project at hand will introduce industry 4.0 solutions to Ultracapacitor production in order to reduce costs significantly.

www.skeletontech.com

Sunlight Group Energy Storage Systems

Direct Partner

Sunlight Group Energy Storage Systems, consistent with its vision to develop specialized innovation across the battery value chain, has been investing over the past years in Research and Development around the safest and most advanced Lithium applications.

Greece

Through the revolution that lithium technology has brought to the electrification of vehicles, Sunlight Group follows a new business dynamic strategy to numerous sectors: electrical Industrial Vehicles (eIVs), renewables and grid applications, public transport, logistics and automated guided vehicles (AGVs), commercial and leisure maritime industry.

Description of the project

The project focuses on technologies suitable for heavy duty traction, energy storage and marine application. Cell RDI focusses primarily on LFP cathodes based technologies. Cells with high capacity (up to 300Ah) will be produced using an environmentally friendly process (water based). FID of 100 MWh/a (expandable to 200 MWh/a) capacity is planned.
An innovative module concept is also to be developed. The module is to be equipped with a smart and flexible BMS, which can also control different cell types. All the necessary data on the module's usage time will be accessible and will accommodate new business models and second life concepts. FID of 1 GWh capacity is planned.

 www.the-sunlight-group.com

 

SYENSQO

Direct Partner

Syensqo is a science company developing groundbreaking solutions that enhance the way we live, work, travel and play. Inspired by the scientific councils which Ernest Solvay initiated in 1911, we bring great minds together to push the limits of science and innovation for the benefit of our customers, with a diverse, global team of more than 13,000 associates in 30 countries. Our solutions contribute to safer, cleaner, and more sustainable products found in homes, food and consumer goods, planes, cars, batteries, smart devices and health care applications. Our innovation power enables us to deliver on the ambition of a circular economy and explore breakthrough technologies that advance humanity.

Italy

In the Lithium Battery market Syensqo is focusing the majority of its activities in developing innovative materials that enable battery components (anodes, cathodes, electrolytes, separators..) and cells to improve their performance.

Description of the project

The focus of Syensqo’s innovation efforts in IPCEI projects is to bring new, innovative materials that will allow the advent of next generation batteries. Syensqo, as polymer producer, will develop new materials for the adoption of new cost-effective and environmentally friendly manufacturing processes. In addition, Syensqo has proposed a specific project about new polymeric membranes to meet the challenging requirements of Redox-Flow Batteries.

www.syensqo.com

 

TAB Tovarna Akumulatorskih Baterij d.d

Associated Partner

Slovenia

Tokai Cobex

Direct Partner

France

Valmet Automotive

Direct Partner

The Valmet Automotive Group is one of the largest vehicle contract manufacturers in the world, In its strategic development,

Finland

Valmet Automotive Group focuses on electromobility with developing and supplying modules as well as battery systems. The EV Systems business line illustrates the revolution taking currently place in automotive and industrial off-high way application sectors – electrification is sweeping the industry, and the demand for EV systems, especially battery packs, is soaring.

Description of the project

With VA Industrial Battery Innovation Center initiative VA will create and engineer equipment electrification solutions to support industrial customers with product design capabilities to successfully implement an electric drivetrain. Implementing common platforms and modularity in product design, battery production and life-cycle management will provide the systemic design approach, which will be needed to meet the requirements and customization needs of harsh use equipment manufacturers.

www.valmet-automotive.com

 

 

Varta Micro Innovation

Direct Partner

 

Austria

Vasco da Gama CoLAB

Associated Partner

Vasco da Gama CoLAB (VG CoLAB) is the Portuguese collaborative laboratory for energy storage, being established in Porto in 2019. The associates include public and private partners from academia and industry.

Positioned in the centre of the battery value chain, VG CoLAB develops innovative system-oriented technological solutions applying energy storage to enable the energy transition. Fuelled by industrial and services sectors, delivers mid-TRL prototypes and business support services scaling up relevant and novel scientific research findings.

Portugal

VG CoLAB develops value-added innovative technologies, techniques, and prototypes in scalable energy storage, power conversion, and software (interfaces, configuration, and sizing tools). VG CoLAB accelerates and de-risks the technological scale-up and the time-to-market for the associates and ecosystem partners to foster the overall societal effort to facilitate the energy transition.

In the New Generation Storage (NGS) project, VG CoLAB is developing technological solutions for:

  • Microgrids for EV charging supported by stationary batteries;
  • Detachable/swappable battery module solutions;
  • Hybrid energy storage systems: complete packaging, energy conversion and grid-tie solutions;
  • Encapsulated solutions including power conversion systems (PCS), and battery management systems (BMS), also prepared battery passport implementation.

In the Battery Value Chain in Portugal (CVB), VG CoLAB is improving its infrastructure by:

  • Scaling-up of sodium-ion batteries, creating alternative energy storage technologies without toxic or critical raw materials;
  • Designing and building a pilot production line (pouch and cylindrical formats), to accelerate battery development in Portugal.
https://vgcolab.com/

Verkor

Associated Partner

France

Vianode

Associated Partner

Vianode is an advanced battery materials company providing sustainable anode graphite solutions for the battery and EV value chains. Vianode’s breakthrough solution enables tailored high-performance synthetic anode graphite and a holistic sustainability offering including a 90% reduction in CO2 footprint. The company is currently preparing to start its customer qualification plant at Herøya, Norway, before executing its multi-billion dollar phased investment program for large-scale plants in Europe and North America. The long-term ambition is to supply advanced battery materials to 3 million EVs per year by 2030. Vianode is owned by the world-leading industrial and financial companies Elkem, Hydro and Altor.

Norway

The overall aim of project SUSAN (Center for SUStainable ANodes) is to expand the R&D activities within and across Vianode R&D facilities; the Vianode Industrial Pilot (VIP), the Vianode Technology Center (VTC) and the Vianode Customer Qualification Plant (VCQP). Within the project, the VTC and VIP will incubate innovation activities at lower TRLs whereas the VCQP will bring innovations to TRL8, as to speed up qualification processes for novel, sustainable products through cost competitive and green processes. Through this project, Vianode will build a center for excellence, innovation and knowledge sharing for the next generation, high-performing, green battery anode materials. The project will contribute strongly to the IPCEI EuBatIn Workstream 1 “Raw and Advanced Materials” and Workstream 4 “Recycling and sustainability”. Through project SUSAN, EuBatIn members will benefit from a strong innovation partner that will pro-actively contribute to shaping a clean, interconnected, and circular battery value chain built on a European technology and sustainability leadership.

https://www.vianode.com/

ZTS

Direct Partner

ZTS – VÝSKUM A VÝVOJ is a research, development, and engineering company with tradition in energy engineering, especially in water and nuclear sectors.

Slovakia

The history of research and development in the company is linked to the extensive production program of the Czechoslovak engineering group ZTS with more than 50-year tradition. Since 1997, when it has been transformed into its present form, its program has been focused on design of modernization, reconstruction, and overhaul of technological equipment of water powerplants, and design and construction documentation of equipment.

Description of the project

The project deals with the production of battery modules from used electric vehicle batteries. When the battery capacity drops below 80%, the comfort of using EV decreases due to further charging and shorter range. The batteries are becoming less suitable for further use in electromobility, however, could be used again in less dynamic applications. The project solves this problem by developing a device for the automatic regeneration of EV batteries. The product of the project is a regenerated battery module of 2nd life, with guaranteed parameters, designed for stationary use.

www.ztsvav.eu