In search of the coveted safer, better, longer-lasting battery: BatteryNL kicks off

On January 12th, a large number of parties involved in the development of batteries in the Netherlands – small companies, multinationals and knowledge institutes – attended the kick off of the BatteryNL consortium. Their goal is to develop the next generation of batteries within eight years that is safer, environmentally benign and has higher performances. Prof. Moniek Tromp, of the University of Groningen, is one of the partners in BatteryNL, a €9.3 million project funded by NWO-ORC.

Safer and higher density batteries

BatteryNL is aiming to develop the next generation of batteries based on a better understanding of material interfaces. These batteries will have higher energy densities and have a longer life-cycle – all of which are crucial for a society based on sustainable energy sources and necessary to stabilize the future power grid.

Moniek Tromp, University of Groningen: “Next to the novel materials and advanced (characterisation) methods we will develop, the project has already initiated the start of a Dutch Battery ecosystem, incl. the many diverse stakeholders, crucial for the energy transition and the position and role of the Netherlands within that.”

The heart of the batteries

Drawing on unique Dutch expertise, the consortium will investigate and improve the heart of these highly coveted batteries – the electrode-electrolyte interface – using scalable technologies.

Pivotal role in the development of future battery technology

To facilitate the social integration of these technological breakthroughs, the social and economic impact will be evaluated in close collaboration with various stakeholders. In doing so, this consortium of experts, small companies, multinationals and social organisations will pave the way for Dutch parties to play a pivotal role in the development of future battery technology.

All parties aligned: from academia up to start-ups

BatteryNL consists of experts within academics, high-tech startups, multinationals and societal partners. Next to the initiators, Delft University of Technology, University of Groningen, University of Twente, Eindhoven University of Technology, and Utrecht University, the consortium consists of University of Amsterdam, TNO, Holst Centre, Hogeschool Rotterdam, Hogeschool Utrecht, Hanze University of Applied Sciences, Saxion University of Applied Sciences, Fontys University of Applied Sciences, Delft IMP, E-magy, Euro Support, LeydenJar, Lionvolt, LithiumWerks, PTG/e, Shell, SALD, VSParticle, Air Liquide, Forschungszentrum Jülich, MEET Battery Research Centre, ANWB, DNV, Durapower, EnergyStorageNL, InnoEnergy, New Energy Coalition, RAI, Solvis, VDL. BatteryNL represents the top academic universities and Universities of Applied Sciences active in battery research in the Netherlands. The academic partners are experts in battery and interface materials/chemistry and characterisation methodologies (especially during battery operation). Prof. M. (Marnix) Wagemaker (TU Delft - Faculty of Applied Sciences) is the project leader of the €9.3 million project funded by NWO-ORC (project number NWA.1389.20.089).

Research, education and valorisation

Furthermore the Universities of Applied Sciences developed Centres of Expertise on sustainability and energy transition, specifically targeting the role of batteries, where research and education meet and where results can be valorised and utilised. The involvement of companies in the consortium will help generate a higher impact by enabling implementation of the successful technologies on a larger scale in battery systems, eventually contributing to a more sustainable society. The most relevant national stakeholders in mobility and electric cars, both civil society stakeholders and companies take part in Battery NL.

Contact

For more information www.batterynl.nl or contact us if you would like to know more about the BatteryNL project at info batterynl.nl or telephone +31 (0)15 278 54 07.