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Cluster: Batteries

Batteries: Cross-Border Cooperation for the Energy Storage of the Future

The global energy transition depends on one crucial factor: efficient and sustainable energy storage. Without powerful solutions, a climate-neutral energy system cannot be achieved. This challenge, highlighted by the Paris Climate Agreement, is also strongly supported at European and national levels. With programmes like the EU Green Deal (Fit for 55), Germany’s Renewable Energy Sources Act, and the Dutch Klimaatakkoord, governments are investing heavily in energy storage technologies.

In our cross-border region, the focus lies on batteries and hydrogen. Battery developments in particular are progressing rapidly.

Investments and Growth

A key driver is the establishment of the Fraunhofer Research Institution for Battery Research (FFB) in Münster, backed by €820 million in investment. To support this major initiative, companies and institutions from East Netherlands signed a Letter of Intent.

The Netherlands also highlighted the importance of connecting their ecosystem with Germany in the National Battery Agenda (June 2023). These efforts have already led to cross-border collaboration, for example between the MEET Battery Research Institute in Münster and the University of Twente’s Center of Advanced Battery Technology.

Strong Universities, Strong Networks

The University of Twente and the University of Münster are strengthening their cooperation in the field of battery research. Together with the FFB, the first Interreg project applications are already underway.

Their international research reputation is well established. For instance, during a joint mission to the USA in 2022, organized in a “double triple helix” format, the two universities built a partnership with Stanford University, resulting in a joint battery research programme.

To further connect stakeholders in the cross-border ecosystem, cluster managers were appointed in 2022, coordinated by Technologieförderung Münster and the Twente Board.

New Infrastructure and Companies on the Horizon

The first result of this coordinated work was a cross-border ecosystem analysis. With the opening of the FFB Building (Phase 2) in Münster and the Advanced Manufacturing Center in Twente in 2023, the infrastructure for battery research and manufacturing has grown significantly.

Additionally, the first international companies are planning investments in Münster to establish a stronger link with the FFB.

Interreg Project MOMO-C: Mobile Battery Solutions for Aviation

A milestone in this development is the first approved cross-border battery project under TECH.LAND, led by the FFB: the Mobile Modular Charger (MOMO-C) project (2025).

The project’s objectives include:

  • Designing and developing a mobile, modular, battery-based charging solution for large-scale electrified applications,

  • Building a MOMO-C demonstrator,

  • Demonstrating proof of concept by charging an electric airplane,

  • Establishing a test connection between the Airports of Twente and Airport Münster Osnabrück.

This shows how battery technology in the region is moving from research into practical applications, even in the aviation sector.

Conclusion

The development of the battery cluster in the Münster–Twente cross-border region demonstrates how investments, research cooperation, and international partnerships can accelerate progress in a key technology for the energy transition. With flagship initiatives such as the Mobile Modular Charger (MOMO-C) project, supported by institutions like the Fraunhofer Research Institution for Battery Research (FFB), the MEET Battery Research Institute, the University of Twente, and cluster managers from Technologieförderung Münster and the Twente Board, the region is emerging as a European hotspot for battery innovation.