German Federal battery R&I funding at risk

16 January 2024

On 15 January 2024, KLiB, a network gathering over 70 German battery players, sent an open letter to the German Chancellor and federal ministers which expresses the concern of the planned cuts which will effect 75% of the planned BMBF funding for battery research for 2024 and subsequent years.

BEPA supports this call to action from the German battery R&I community to keep the funding for battery research in place and develop a coherent battery strategy.

The removal of the “Measures for the Further Development of Electromobility” in the Climate and Transformation Fund (KTF), will affect German battery research and have dramatic consequences for Germany as a high-tech location.

The letter emphasizes the significance of battery technology for various industries and argues that the cuts in research funding will adversely impact both academia and industry, leading to further deindustrialization of Germany. The letter appeals for the reversal of these funding cuts and suggests that Germany should not lose international connectivity but should maintain an attractive investment climate and ensure sustainable technological sovereignty. It recommends developing a strategy similar to those in France, Norway, and Finland for a competitive, technologically sovereign German battery ecosystem and suggests establishing a coordination office similar to the National Organisation for Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technology.

BEPA Secretary General, Fabrice Stassin:

 “German industry and research institutes have a key role in creating a competitive battery value chain in Europe. Cutting back on research in such a drastic way will risk a standstill in a global competitive race and a brain drain for Europe as a whole. The call from KLiB echoes our own call to the European Commission to ensure full funding for the BATT4EU Partnership under Horizon Europe.”