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.
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 optimising them under real industrial conditions," explains Professor Simon Lux, Director of the Fraunhofer FFB. "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 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 optimise 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.
Source: Fraunhofer FFB
Caption 1: Came together in Münster, Germany, for the groundbreaking ceremony: Maria Winkel (Stadt Münster), Ludger Kloidt (NRW.URBAN), Thomas Habscheid-Führer (Carpus + Partner AG), Ingo Höllein (BMBF), Dr Saskia Wessel (Fraunhofer FFB), Dr Kirsten Bender (MWIKE NRW), Prof Dr Prof Dr habil. Andrea Kienle (MKW NRW), Ralf Uennigmann (assmann gruppe), Prof Dr Simon Lux (Fraunhofer FFB, from left). (Image: Christoph Kniel)
Caption 2: Completion of the construction phase is expected by the end of 2027, after which Fraunhofer FFB will begin commissioning innovative machine technology. (Image Carpus+Partner, Rendering: ARTVISU Artur Krause)
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