A functional lithium-ion cell was produced for the first time in Münster – a milestone for high-tech batteries “Made in Germany” and Europe’s leading role in ClimateTech. The development shows how important innovative research in Europe is for the sustainable transformation.
By Jan Nintemann and Jochen Siegle; Photo: Fraunhofer FFB
Showtime in NRW: This week, the first lithium-ion battery cell was produced in the FFB PreFab research factory in Münster – a milestone for batteries “Made in Germany” and an important sign for Europe’s Greentech business.
The PreFab of the Fraunhofer Research Institution for Battery Cell Production FFB, which opened in 2024, thus offers a complete process chain for the first time – from electrode production to the charged cell – using exclusively European technology. This pilot environment helps to test and further develop new battery technologies in a practical manner.
End-to-end European plant technology to be competitive
Dorothee Bär, Federal Minister for Research, Technology and Aerospace, emphasized on the occasion of the Greentech breakthrough that Europe must master battery technology in order to be internationally competitive.
NRW Economics Minister Mona Neubaur emphasized that a strong European battery production is decisive for economic success, technological sovereignty and the green transformation. Among other things, various Fraunhofer Institutes support the project and accelerate the transfer from research to industry.
The Fraunhofer research factory is being built in two phases: FFB PreFab marks the first construction phase, the second (FFB Fab) is in full swing.
Strategy factor battery: Key to climate-neutral mobility and energy supply in Europe
Batteries are crucial for climate-neutral mobility and energy supply. The Fraunhofer FFB enables companies to bring together core competencies of German industry, test production processes and train specialists. The federal government and the state are investing over one billion euros in research and infrastructure for this purpose.
This milestone from Münster proves: Europe can be a global leader in Greentech and ClimateTech innovations. However, in order to catch up economically, we need to develop our business models more quickly.
The new trade fair and conference platform TransformIT Europe offers the perfect opportunity for this from May 5–8, 2026 in Brussels. Let’s tackle it together.
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