Germany to back innovative battery projects with EUR 1bn

Germany will provide EUR 1 billion (USD 1.08bn) to support innovative large-scale and strategic projects from all stages of the battery value chain as part of an expansion of the IPCEI project European Battery Innovation (EuBatIn).

Expressions of interest can be submitted to the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK) by February 6, 2023, the ministry said on Friday.

The projects in the scope of the funding call must aim for significant innovations and the first commercial use of the new products within the duration of the project. The applicants must be also able to start mass production after the end of the project. The winners in the competition should complement the IPCEI projects that have already been funded.

The funding of the individual projects will be subject to approval by the European Commission.

More than 50 companies from 12 EU states are already taking part in two battery IPCEI projects, including 13 companies from Germany.

Commenting on the initiative, German economy minister Robert Habeck said that the entire battery value chain must be brought back to Germany and Europe as the own know-how is of key importance for the development of a sustainable automotive and energy industry.

In order to further expand Germany's independence in the area of batteries, however, the framework conditions for battery production in Europe must be made more attractive, Habeck added.

The financing to be granted by the German government is expected to give a strong impetus to the battery ecosystem in Germany and Europe, according to the ministry.

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