"Research on rechargeable energy storage spanning a period of two years has been conducted in Münster"
## Celebrating a Decade of Battery Innovation: MEET Battery Research Center and Helmholtz Institute Münster
Two leading institutions in German and European battery research, the MEET Battery Research Center and the Helmholtz Institute Münster (HI MS), recently celebrated significant milestones in their respective histories. The MEET marked its 15th anniversary, while the HI MS celebrated its 10th.
The festive event was graced by numerous guests from politics and science, including Federal State Secretary Dr. Rolf-Dieter Jungk, NRW Minister of Science Ina Brandes, NRW Minister of Economics and Climate Protection Mona Neubaur, and Muener's Mayor Markus Lewe. The occasion also featured a keynote lecture by Nobel laureate Prof. Dr. Stanley Whittingham on the development of the lithium-ion battery.
### MEET Battery Research Center: A Decade of Progress
Established in 2010, the MEET Battery Research Center has been at the forefront of battery research in Germany. With a focus on the entire battery supply chain, from material development to recycling, the institute has made significant strides in advancing battery technology. In 2012, the MEET was awarded "Site of Progress" by the state government, recognising its contributions to the field.
One of the MEET's key areas of research is the development of alternative battery chemistries beyond lithium-ion. This includes lithium metal batteries, which promise higher energy density and are particularly relevant for electromobility.
### Helmholtz Institute Münster (HI MS): A Decade of Electrolyte Innovation
The Helmholtz Institute Münster, founded in 2014, specialises in electrolyte research, a crucial component in battery cells. With around 90 employees, the institute collaborates internationally and with other Helmholtz centres to advance battery technology.
The HI MS has made significant strides in the development of solid-state electrolytes in lithium metal batteries, enhancing safety and performance. This research is key to the future of energy storage and is a testament to the institute's commitment to innovation.
### A Hub for Sustainable Battery Technology
Both institutions play a pivotal role in Münster's status as a "Battery City," fostering collaboration among local and international partners. This hub supports the development of sustainable battery systems crucial for the energy and mobility transition.
Strategic partnerships with universities, industry, and other research centres ensure a holistic approach to battery technology advancements. The institutions also contribute to a competitive European battery industry, developing cutting-edge technologies and infrastructures.
### The Future of Battery Research
The MEET and HI MS continue to push the boundaries of battery research, with intensive research on lithium-ion, sodium-ion, lithium-metal, and solid-state batteries, as well as on storage-capable materials without critical raw materials. This research is crucial for the energy and mobility transition, aiming to make batteries more powerful, environmentally friendly, and affordable.
A first spin-off, E-Lyte Innovations GmbH, occurred in 2019, demonstrating the commercial potential of the research conducted at these institutions. A new building in Corrensstraße is set to be occupied from 2026, further expanding the research capabilities of the Helmholtz Institute Münster.
In conclusion, the MEET Battery Research Center and the Helmholtz Institute Münster are vital for advancing battery technology in Europe, promoting innovation in energy storage, and supporting the transition to more sustainable mobility solutions. Their continued work will undoubtedly shape the future of battery research and contribute to a greener, more sustainable world.
The MEET Battery Research Center, with a decade of progress in battery research, is focused on the entire battery supply chain and has made significant strides in developing alternative battery chemistries, including lithium metal batteries.
The Helmholtz Institute Münster, in its decade of existence, specializes in electrolyte research, a critical component in battery cells, and has made significant strides in the development of solid-state electrolytes in lithium metal batteries.
