First battery cell from the research factory in Münster

16.12.2025

Source: E & M powernews

The Fraunhofer research production facility in Münster has produced a functional lithium-ion cell. European battery technologies are thus reaching industrial application for the first time.

The Fraunhofer Research Facility for Battery Cell Production, FFB, has produced an electrically functional lithium-ion battery cell in Münster for the first time. According to Fraunhofer, this is the first cell from the first construction phase of the "FFB PreFab" research factory. A fully integrated process chain based exclusively on European plant technology was used - from electrode production to the charged cell.

The Battery Cell Research Factory is an institution of the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft for the promotion of applied research with headquarters in Munich. Its aim is to transfer new battery technologies from research to industrial production. To this end, a research factory is gradually being built in Münster, which is intended to replicate processes on a pilot and later on a gigafactory scale.

Praise from the Ministry of Research

According to the Ministry, Federal Research Minister Dorothee Bär (CSU) explained that only countries with their own competitive battery cell production would be able to hold their own in international competition. The battery is a key technology for climate-neutral mobility and energy generation. As part of Germany's High-Tech Agenda, the FFB is aimed at systematically transferring research results into commercial applications. Bär described the cell that has now been produced as an important step for batteries "Made in Germany".

Recognition also came from North Rhine-Westphalia. Economics and Climate Protection Minister Mona Neubaur (Alliance 90/The Greens) explained that the state wanted to position itself as a location for modern high-tech industry. In her view, strong European battery production is central to technological independence and industrial transformation. With the FFB, Münster is making a contribution by bringing together research, development and industrial transfer in one place.

Science Minister Ina Brandes (CDU) emphasized that the facility was intended to close the gap between basic research and large-scale industrial application. Batteries are already present in many everyday applications, for example in energy supply and electromobility. The FFB could help to train specialists and pool scientific expertise in North Rhine-Westphalia.

One billion euros in funding

Fraunhofer President Holger Hanselka explained that battery technologies play a central role in Germany's technological sovereignty. The launch of the pilot line at FFB Prefab shows that Fraunhofer acts as a link between research and series production. He thanked the Federal Ministry of Research (BMFTR) and the state of North Rhine-Westphalia for their financial support.

The federal government has promised to provide the necessary funds for the further development of the FFB. According to the BMFTR, the aim is to set up a research factory on a gigafactory scale. The planned total costs have risen due to inflation: from originally around 500 million euros in 2019 and 2020 to up to 750 million euros in the meantime. This sum will be borne by the federal government for research operations and the technical infrastructure.

The state of North Rhine-Westphalia is investing around 320 million euros in land and buildings. It is responsible for the construction and financing of the buildings, while the federal government finances the equipment, including clean and dry rooms. The largest recipient of funding and consortium leader is the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft, which is implementing the project together with other partners.

The FFB is being built in two phases. The first section, the "FFB PreFab", was opened in spring 2024 and comprises more than 3,000 square meters of research space for pilot-scale production processes. The second section, the "FFB Fab", is currently under construction. In the future, production processes on a gigafactory scale for science and industry will be tested there on around 20,000 square meters.

Author: Susanne Harmsen