Batteries

The M-ERA.NET Call 2021 was launched on 15 March 2021. 45 funding agencies from 32 countries participate with a total budget of approximately 60 million €, including an EU contribution.

Pre-Proposal Deadline: 15 June 2021, 12:00 noon, Brussels time

The aim is to fund ambitious transnational RTD projects addressing materials research and innovation including materials for low carbon energy technologies, future batteries technology and related production technologies. M-ERA.NET aims to strengthen the contribution of materials R&D to energy-related applications where applicable.

Battery storage is playing an increasingly important role, both at the stationary level (renewable energy) and in the field of e-mobility. In view of the huge importance of storage technology in the context of the expansion of renewable energy capacities in order to reduce levels of greenhouse gas emissions, major efforts to develop new batteries are being made throughout the world, and rapid progress is being achieved. Today the battery cell market is dominated by Asian manufacturers (with a share of more than 90 %), but initiatives have also recently been launched in Europe (e.g. European Battery Alliance) aimed at speeding up expertise and manufacture here. Manufacturing processes, the utilised materials and safe disposal are decisive factors for the ecological footprint of batteries, and safety and performance aspects are also associated with fundamental material-related issues. Swiss players are focusing on a variety of areas of battery research, including low temperature, high temperature (salt) and redox flow batteries. Other areas of activity include system development and the integration of battery systems in mobile and stationary applications. The SFOE is able to provide subsidiary support for research activities in this field via a small programme focusing specifically on batteries in conjunction with its promotion options in the framework of pilot and demonstration projects.

Current research priorities 2021‒2024

Materials research and electrochemistry

Substitution of lithium-ion technologies with concepts based on more readily available elements such as sodium, magnesium and aluminium;
Further development of lithium-ion technology through to batteries with solid electrolytes in order to increase safety and storage density.

System development

System integration and characterisation