In the latest visit by NDR, the Battery LabFactory Braunschweig (BLB) has expressed its concern about the cuts to the Climate and Transformation Fund (KTF) by the German government in a report by NDR. Around 75 per cent of the funding planned for 2024 in the field of battery research is affected, as reported by the German Competence Network Lithium-Ion Batteries (KLiB). A possible withdrawal from battery research in Germany could cause considerable damage to Germany as a technology hub. A reduction in funding would jeopardise the competitiveness of German industry and the training of skilled workers.
Importance of networking and training
The competence clusters set up by the BMBF have promoted close networking between German research institutions, supplemented by partnerships with companies. This has created a strong research and innovation ecosystem. Universities in Lower Saxony and Germany play a central role in the training of battery researchers. The drastic cut in funding for battery research could reduce the number of doctoral students by around 50% and affect the training of Master's and Bachelor's students. Negative press is already leading to a move away from this future technology, which threatens the long-term competitiveness of the German automotive industry and other companies in the field of energy transition.
Endangering the research infrastructure
Major battery research university sites such as Braunschweig have built up significant research infrastructures, including flexible pilot plants for material synthesis, electrode and cell production and battery recycling. Without sufficient funding, these infrastructures will remain unutilised and the investments made will come to nothing. Technical personnel, who are mainly project-funded, cannot be retained without federally funded research projects.
Urgent appeal
The BLB therefore emphasises that only a strong, Germany-wide research landscape can provide the necessary skills and specialists. In addition, the utilisation of secondary raw materials through closed material cycles is crucial for a resilient economy and a successful energy transition. These topics can only be advanced at universities with strong processing and process engineering expertise.
The BLB urgently appeals to the Federal Government to reconsider the cuts in the KTF and to secure the future of battery research and training in Germany in order to maintain competitiveness in the field of the energy transition and the automotive industry.
Link to the video by NDR (German only): https://www.ardmediathek.de/video/hallo-niedersachsen/batterieforschung-in-niedersachsen-in-gefahr/ndr/Y3JpZDovL25kci5kZS80OGEwNjdhMi0xMDhlLTQ2NmMtYmNkNy0yZmMxYzNjODBiYzc