SIB:DE

Motivation 

The global transformation of the energy and transport sectors requires high-performance storage systems that operate independently of critical raw materials such as lithium, cobalt, or nickel. In light of volatile raw material prices and geopolitical dependencies associated with classic lithium-ion batteries (LIB), the Sodium-Ion Battery (SIB) is gaining massive importance as a sustainable and cost-effective alternative. Sodium is available almost indefinitely and at low cost worldwide, which strengthens the resilience of European value chains. While international competitors are already bringing the first SIB series-produced vehicles to market, the industrial base in Germany is still under development. The SIB:DE Development project addresses this by bringing together 12 industrial and 14 academic partners to establish a sovereign German ecosystem for this key technology. The goal is to position Germany at the global technological forefront and to realize market-ready, competitive storage solutions ”Made in Germany” for both mobile and stationary applications.

Objectives and Approach

The primary objective of SIB:DE is the rapid empowerment of industry for the large-scale production of sodium-ion cells. To achieve this, the project employs a dual approach: the ”Industry Stream” focuses on the immediate usability of existing LIB production lines (drop-in technology), while the ”Innovation Stream” validates novel processes to increase efficiency. Fraunhofer IWS plays a leading role in initiating essential technological developments. A central component is the implementation of the solvent-free dry coating process (DRYtraec^®), which drastically reduces energy consumption in electrode manufacturing and offers significant ecological advantages. The methodology also includes the electrochemical evaluation of the developed electrodes to precisely control and optimize their performance. Building on this, Fraunhofer IWS is responsible for SIB cell development in application-relevant pouch cell formats up to 25 Ah, directly preparing the transfer from research to industrial pilot production.

Innovation and Perspectives

The technological innovation of the project lies in the holistic integration of process and cell development for the next generation of battery manufacturing. In particular, the dry coating technology advanced by Fraunhofer IWS represents a paradigm shift, as it eliminates the need for toxic solvents and significantly lowers production costs. Through the systematic investigation of layered oxides (NFM) and their process-related optimization, the project aims for energy densities and cycle stabilities that make SIBs attractive for the mass market. The perspectives extend far beyond the end of the project: by creating a virtual cell manufacturing environment and a comprehensive evaluation matrix for series production, the foundation for future gigafactories in Germany is being laid. Ultimately, this comprehensive approach – ranging from innovative material use and highly efficient manufacturing at Fraunhofer IWS to a closed-loop recycling system – secures Germany's technological sovereignty and competitiveness in the global battery market.