Battery Tech in NRW
Why NRW matters
With a population of more than 18 million, NRW is Germany’s most important economic region and one of Europe’s most attractive locations for investment. Located in the heart of Europe, NRW combines a strong industrial base with excellent research and a high level of innovation – ideal conditions for companies in future-oriented industries such as battery technology. NRW positions battery companies and service providers at the heart of Europe, in a connected, highly innovative and forward-looking industrial region that is second to none.
< €800
million in funding for the Research Institution for Battery Cell Production in Münster
< 56,000 m²
of land is being developed for the Fraunhofer FFB Research Institution for Battery Cell Production
30,000
metric tons of used batteries per year will be processed by cylib’s new recycling plant as early as the first phase of expansion
1 GWh
of production capacity for second-life batteries is being established at Voltfang
Success factor: the market
Battery tech is becoming industrial reality in NRW
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NRW combines industrial production, battery recycling and sustainable value creation across the entire battery supply chain.
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Companies benefit from short lines of communication between development, validation and industrial application.
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Ford produces high-voltage batteries in Cologne for its Explorer and Capri electric models.
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The Aachen-based startup Voltfang is developing second-life battery storage systems for stationary applications.
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cylib is building a recycling plant in Dormagen for 30,000 metric tons of used batteries annually, starting with the first expansion phase in 2026.
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With by far the largest chemical industry in Germany, NRW offers ideal conditions for battery materials and the circular economy. Companies in NRW such as Lanxess, Covestro, Evonik Industries and BASF are valuable Tier 1 and Tier 2 suppliers that manufacture cells and materials for battery production locally.
Success factor: research and innovation
Research, development and scaling in one place
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NRW combines cutting-edge research with industrial development along the entire innovation chain. The MEET Battery Research Center in Münster is one of the leading institutions for electrochemical energy technology.
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The Helmholtz Institute Münster combines battery research with large-scale research expertise in Jülich.
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The Fraunhofer Research Institution for Battery Cell Production (FFB) offers opportunities for piloting and scaling new battery cell technologies that are unique in Germany.
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The Automotive Center Südwestfalen supports development projects from the initial idea through to production readiness.
Success factor: implementation
Battery solutions for industrial-scale production are being developed in NRW
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NRW combines development, piloting and industrial scaling along the entire battery value chain.
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The region offers direct access to the automotive industry, the energy sector and industrial users.
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The Aldenhoven Testing Center at RWTH Aachen University offers state-of-the-art testing and validation infrastructure for new technologies.
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Research and industry partners are working together on next-generation battery solutions through to series production (e.g., in the Battery Circle Aachen and BatteryCityMünster).
You can’t have everything – except in NRW
Feel the sound of innovation in NRW: Europe's Heartbeat
Your path to Battery Technology in NRW
Feel free to contact us if you have any questions
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Photo credits
The photographic material was kindly provided by
© NRW.Global Business / Jan Tepass
© NRW.Global Business / Christian Lord Otto
© Shutterstock.com, Denisik11
Welcome to NRW!
The state's innovation topics unite fields with significant growth potential. They underline how business, science and research are developing joint solutions for tomorrow's challenges.