Danger for Germany as a research hub

The German Federal Government has cut funding for battery research by around 75 % as of 2024. This decision was taken on the basis of a ruling by the Federal Constitutional Court,which prohibited the government from using coronavirus funds for the Climate and Transformation Fund (KTF). Battery expert Prof. Martin Winter assesses the consequences of this decision.

Mr. Winter, what’s your assessment of the current situation?

In the last 15 years, Germany has invested well over € 1 billion in battery research. We have succeeded in establishing an internationally competitive research infrastructure. While other countries continue to step up their efforts, we are basically abandoning our billion-euro investments. We have to expect that we will lose touch with international competition. This is particularly fatal for a country with a strong automotive industry.

What are the concrete consequences?

Without the necessary funds, systems and equipment cannot be adequately maintained and operated. We will lose top scientific personnel and, as a result, know-how. For example, a large proportion of the 500 or so people here in Münster are financed by project funding from the Federal Ministry of Education and Research. We won’t be able to retain many of them and we will be unable to replace those who leave. However, the cuts are also having an impact on young scientists and companies.

In what way?

Master’s and doctoral theses are also written with the help of research funding. If young people see that there are fewer opportunities in battery research in future, they will turn to other areas. And yet the industry is already experiencing a severe shortage of skilled workers. And, of course, companies go wherever they can find skilled workers. The question remains whether this should be outside of Germany, according to the current plan. We hope that the federal government will make the necessary funding available again in a new budget. Germany would then suffer a severe slump, but at least it would not be the end of German battery research.

Questions were posed by Frank Frick.

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Contact

Prof. Dr. Martin Winter

Gründungsdirektor

• Institute of Energy Materials and Devices (IMD)
• Helmholtz Institute Münster: Ionics in Energy Storage (IMD-4 / HI MS)

Building Münster /
Room R 3

+49 251/83-36033

E-Mail

Further Information

Research focus

Battery Research

Rechargeable batteries are essential for the operation of smartphones, laptops, and electric cars. They also play a crucial role in the cabon-neutral energy system of the future. Jülich scientists conduct research into different battery types across the complete spectrum along the entire value chain – from analytics and materials development to cell production and recycling.

Institute

Helmholtz Institute Münster (IMD-4 / HI MS)

The HI MS explores new battery technologies based on innovative electrolytes. As the lifeblood of every battery cell, the electrolyte ensures that all components work effectively together. When researching and developing innovative battery cell technologies, HI MS also investigates cost-effective and long-term storage of large quantities of generated electricity using a small amount of space.