The Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft has inaugurated the new Center for Energy Storage and Systems (ZESS) in Braunschweig, Germany. The research facility focuses on energy storage and conversion technologies, including solid-state batteries, battery cell production and hydrogen technologies.
The German federal government and the state of Lower Saxony have jointly invested around €49.85 million in the facility. The center is intended to support research and the transfer of technologies from laboratory development toward industrial applications.
ZESS Includes Battery and Hydrogen Research Facilities
The ZESS facility provides around 3,300 square metres of space, including approximately 1,750 square metres of laboratory facilities and a 450 square metre dry room.
The infrastructure is designed to support research into next-generation solid-state batteries and hydrogen technologies, as well as related materials and production processes.
Three Fraunhofer institutes are bringing their expertise together at the center: the Fraunhofer Institute for Surface Engineering and Thin Films IST, the Fraunhofer Institute for Manufacturing Technology and Advanced Materials IFAM, and the Fraunhofer Institute for Ceramic Technologies and Systems IKTS.
Their work covers areas including battery materials, manufacturing processes, sustainability and the circular economy.
Solid-State Batteries Are a Key Research Area
Solid-state batteries are among the main research priorities at ZESS. Researchers will investigate cell chemistries and manufacturing processes while also examining how the technologies can be scaled for industrial production.
“At the Fraunhofer ZESS, we consider the entire process chain – from new materials, through production technologies, and on to sustainability and the circular economy,” said Christoph Herrmann, Director of the Fraunhofer IST and spokesperson for the ZESS.
The center is intended to combine research into materials and cell technologies with production and sustainability considerations.
Braunschweig Research Network Supports Technology Transfer
ZESS is integrated into the research environment of TU Braunschweig and works alongside facilities including the Battery LabFactory Braunschweig and the Center for Circular Production of Next Batteries and Fuel Cells.
The institutions form part of a regional research network focused on batteries, fuel cells and the transfer of technologies toward industrial applications.
Fraunhofer also operates the Fraunhofer Battery Alliance, which coordinates battery research across its institutes. In October, the alliance agreed to strengthen cooperation with research and industry partners in South Korea in areas including battery materials, cell production and recycling.
While the Fraunhofer FFB in Münster focuses on near-series scaling of battery cells and production technologies, ZESS adds research activities centered on solid-state batteries and hydrogen technologies.
Research Facility Incorporates Sustainability Features
Sustainability was also considered in the construction of the ZESS facility.
The building uses a wood-hybrid structure designed to reduce the amount of concrete required. Photovoltaic systems have been installed on the roof and façade, while green roofs are incorporated into the building design.
The research spaces are also intended to be adaptable to changing research requirements, allowing the facility to accommodate different technology development activities over time.
