Fraunhofer’s Research Institution for Battery Cell Production FFB has inaugurated the first construction phase of its PreFab facility in Münster, marking a significant step towards establishing Germany as a global leader in battery technology. The PreFab, spanning 6,800 square metres, is a precursor to the larger FFB Fab, which will offer 20,000 square metres of production and research space for industrial-scale battery production.
The PreFab will serve as a research space for developing battery cell production processes and technologies. According to RWTH Professor Achim Kampker, a member of the FFB institute management team, the facility will focus on producing pouch cells and prismatic cells for research purposes, with plans to trial round cells in the future.
The establishment of the FFB Fab is part of a broader effort to enhance the EV charging infrastructure in the UAE and the broader GCC region. Through a partnership with Shahin, Hubject aims to create a roaming platform that will improve accessibility and reliability for EV drivers. Hubject CEO Christian Hahn emphasized the benefits of the partnership, stating that it will not only enhance the charging experience for EV drivers but also help Shahin expand its business.
The FFB project is funded by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research, with additional support from the state of North Rhine-Westphalia. Federal Research Minister Bettina Stark-Watzinger hailed the project as a milestone towards a sustainable and competitive battery ecosystem, emphasizing the importance of battery technology as a key technology of the future.
Holger Hanselka, President of the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft, expressed gratitude for the collaboration with industry, politics, and other partners, noting that the PreFab represents significant progress in battery research and a crucial step towards a sustainable future.
