The Chair of Production Engineering of E-Mobility Components (PEM) at RWTH Aachen University has released the second and expanded edition of its “Battery Atlas,” a comprehensive report. This report offers an in-depth look at the current involvement of various stakeholders in the European battery market, including cell manufacturers, module and pack producers, equipment suppliers, and battery active materials suppliers. Additionally, the atlas covers recycling companies and battery test centers. A notable addition to this edition is the inclusion of market participants involved in battery quality assurance, passive cell components, and “second life” applications for batteries after their initial use in electric vehicles.
Professor Heiner Heimes, a member of PEM’s Institute management and the editor of the Battery Atlas, emphasized the importance of networking among companies across different sectors. He stated, “The networking of companies, even beyond their sector, will be decisive in determining whether Europe survives in global competition.” Heimes highlighted that if various market participants can establish collaborations along the entire value chain, they can offer comprehensive services as turnkey solutions. Such collaborations would allow companies to jointly exploit cost advantages through economies of scale and pool financial resources for research and development, accelerating the market introduction of new technologies.
The 2024 edition of the Battery Atlas covers nine key market areas, encompassing a significant portion of the overall battery life cycle. Despite the challenges posed by high energy costs, Europe continues to be a crucial market for battery production. The report notes that Hungary is emerging as a significant player in this field, alongside Germany. With increasing capacities in cell production, new opportunities are arising in module and pack production for both the automotive sector and the growing stationary energy storage market. This growth has attracted more mechanical and plant engineering companies to Europe. The report underscores the importance of leveraging the relative proximity of various players within Europe to maximize these opportunities.
Natalia Soldan, co-author of the report and head of PEM’s “Circular Economy & Materials” research group, pointed out the benefits of a pan-European approach to battery production. She remarked, “As a pan-European hotspot, we can compensate for our previous lack of experience in the development and production of lithium-ion batteries.” Soldan explained that investments in battery production in one country could bolster the mechanical and plant engineering industry in another country or lead to the utilization of battery test centers in yet another nation. She also stressed the crucial role of government and European support for battery research, noting the current shortage of battery specialists in the technology sector.
In Germany, for instance, the demand for battery production specialists is high, with individual vehicle manufacturers aiming to recruit a total of 20,000 specialists by 2030. However, only about 1,000 positions have been filled so far. The training of these specialists typically occurs through funded research and development projects. Despite this need, the German government recently announced significant cuts to state funding for battery research, posing a potential challenge to the industry’s growth.
The Battery Atlas highlights the interconnected nature of the European battery market and the importance of collaboration and investment across different sectors and countries. As Europe continues to develop its battery production capabilities, the insights provided in this report will be crucial for stakeholders aiming to navigate and succeed in this competitive and rapidly evolving market.
