Part of the work in BATMACHINE is committed to benchmarking the innovation and technology advancements in the battery manufacturing sector. Our partners from RWTH Aachen University led a dedicated workshop titled “Cell Production in Europe: Market-Related Aspects and Innovation” during the project’s 3rd General Assembly.

The session brought together field experts to discuss key challenges and opportunities in scaling up European battery manufacturing. Specifically, the workshop covered market trends, technological advancements, and industry collaborations.

Cell Manufacturing – the EU Landscape

The workshop featured four speakers, each providing their perspectives on the evolving landscape of battery cell production in Europe.

Session 1 – How can we establish competent cell production capacity in Europe?

Dr. Keon Woo Lee (Henkel AG & Co.) presentation emphasised the importance of supply chain resilience, automation, and competitive production processes. Furthermore, he highlighted key challenges, such as the cost gap with Asian manufacturers and the need for Europe to develop a robust battery ecosystem.

Session 2 – European Battery Cell Production: Market Reality, Industrial Challenges, and Future Outlook

Noah Rieple (P3-Group) session explored the current and future state of battery cell production in Europe. Specifically, he discussed market consolidation, the role of European OEMs, and the need for a more localised supply chains to enhance competitiveness.

Session 3 – Key developments in LIB cell manufacturing equipment at ZSW and its role in EU-funded greenSPEED project

Dr. Alice Hoffmann (ZSW) brought insights from an industrial perspective, more specifically, from an EU-funded project focused on battery cell production, the greenSPEED project. She showcased innovations in manufacturing equipment, advancements in pilot lines, and strategies to optimise lithium-ion battery (LIB) production, while improving sustainability.

Session 4 – From Lab to Large-Scale: How Pilot Lines Drive Battery Technology Advancements

In his session, Dr. Christoph Baum (Fraunhofer IPT and MANUGY), examined the role of pilot production facilities in accelerating industrialisation and technological progress. In addition, he detailed how scaling up battery technologies requires close collaboration between academia and industry to bridge gaps in manufacturing efficiency and innovation.

Battery Cell Production in Europe – How does it look?

The speakers and audience, in presence and online, delved into discussions and shared numerous insights and perspective on the outlook of the European cell production. Nonetheless, the workshop reinforced the importance of a strong European battery production ecosystem, with several key insights:

  • Bridging the technology gap: European manufacturers must focus on process optimisation, automation, and digitalisation to remain competitive.
  • Building a resilient supply chain: Localising raw materials and manufacturing will reduce reliance on external markets and enhance sustainability.
  • Fostering industry-academia collaboration: Strengthening ties between research institutions and industry players is crucial for accelerating innovation.
  • Investing in pilot lines and scalability: Pilot facilities serve as vital testing grounds for new technologies before full-scale industrial deployment.

Looking Ahead

The insights from the BATMACHINE workshop on European Battery Cell Production surely will shape BATMACHINE’s research and innovation strategies. In fact, the workshop and the guest speakers brought insights and highlighted concepts that can help drive forward a more competitive, efficient, and sustainable battery cell production landscape in Europe.

Stay tuned for more updates on the workshop, as we are working on a webinar pills to share!