Fraunhofer ZESS opens research center in Braunschweig
The Fraunhofer Society has opened the new building of the Center for Energy Storage and Systems ZESS in Braunschweig. The federal government and the state have invested nearly 50 million euros in this research infrastructure, which focuses on areas such as solid-state batteries, cell production, and hydrogen technologies.
Fraunhofer opens ZESS for battery and hydrogen research in Braunschweig.
Image: Fraunhofer IST
On a total area of around 3,300 square meters, there are approximately 1,750 square meters of laboratory space along with a 450 square meter dry room. The infrastructure is designed for the development of next-generation solid-state batteries as well as innovative hydrogen technologies.
In total, the federal government and the state of Lower Saxony have invested around 49.85 million euros in the construction. The center aims to closely integrate research and industrial applications, accelerating the advancement of new technologies toward scalability and commercial readiness.
At ZESS, the Fraunhofer Institute for Layer and Surface Technology IST, the Fraunhofer Institute for Manufacturing Technology and Applied Materials Research IFAM, and the Fraunhofer Institute for Ceramic Technologies and Systems IKTS combine their expertise. In the field of batteries, their approach covers everything from new materials and production methods to sustainability and circular economy principles. Inserted Markdown Inserted Markdown
A focus is placed on solid-state batteries. ZESS aims to help develop new cell chemistries and manufacturing processes not only in the laboratory but also by advancing their industrial scalability.
Fraunhofer ZESS studies the battery value chain
"At Fraunhofer ZESS, we consider the entire value chain – from new materials and production technologies to sustainability and circular economy," says Christoph Herrmann, head of the Fraunhofer IST institute and spokesperson for ZESS. By combining expertise, solid-state batteries and hydrogen technologies are to be further developed specifically for industrial applications.
The center is also closely integrated into the research ecosystem of TU Braunschweig. This includes initiatives such as the Battery LabFactory Braunschweig and the Center for Circular Production of Next Batteries and Fuel Cells. The goal is to create a network in the region focused on battery and fuel cell research as well as industrial technology transfer. Inserted Markdown
Meanwhile, Fraunhofer is also expanding its international battery research. Earlier in October, the Fraunhofer Alliance for Batteries agreed to closer cooperation with partners from South Korea on battery materials, cell production, and recycling. While the FFB in Münster focuses primarily on scaling up cell and production technologies for commercial use, the ZESS in Braunschweig emphasizes solid-state batteries and hydrogen technologies as well.
Fraunhofer is also committed to sustainability in the building at Braunschweig Airport. The research facility was constructed as a wood-hybrid structure with reduced use of concrete. Photovoltaic systems on the roof and facade, green rooftops, and flexibly usable research areas are designed to reduce energy consumption and facilitate future adjustments to new research priorities.
