Funding research and innovation in the area of battery manufacturing is one of the EU’s priority goals. The funding applies to the whole value chain, so it has been classed as an ‘Important Project of Common European Interest’ (IPCEI). The goal of the European Commission is to provide the EU member states with support for their research, development and innovation efforts that enables them to occupy a stronger position in the context of the global competition. This would benefit Europe by improving the sustainability of mobility and energy, creating more jobs and strengthening competitiveness.
In order to achieve this goal, the European Commission is providing funding for battery manufacturing as part of a two-phase IPCEI. The first ‘IPCEI on Batteries’ is being coordinated by the French government. In this project, a total of seven member states are set to receive funding totalling up to 3.2 billion euros for their national projects. The second IPCEI, ‘EuBatIn – European Batteries Innovation’, is being coordinated by Germany’s Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWi) with the support of VDI/VDE-IT. 14 member states and more than 50 companies are taking part in this European project. The funding amounts will be of similar proportions to the first IPCEI. Commission approval for the aid is expected in the year 2020. The players involved in both IPCEIs represent the full value chain, including the materials, the cells, the battery systems and the final step of recycling.
VDI/VDE-IT is partnering with the BMWi and offering its proficient support to the IPCEI on battery cell manufacturing, both by managing the project on behalf of the BMWi and by providing scientific guidance. The interdisciplinary team, which consists of around 35 internal and external experts is assisting the ‘New drive technologies, electricmobility, environmental innovation' department at the BMWi with Germany’s national funding and with the coordination of the EuBatIn at a European level.
