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Author name: Chris Lienemann

VDMA Battery Production Annual Conference 2026 in Dresden

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VDMA Battery Production is holding this year’s Annual Conference on September 22 and 23, 2026, at Fraunhofer IKTS in Dresden. The hosts are the Fraunhofer institute, Europe’s largest research institute for high-performance ceramics, and ULT AG, a provider of air treatment systems for clean production environments. The event focuses on technology and market topics related to battery production as well as personal exchange within the industry. Program The conference will be opened by Prof. Alexander Michaelis (Institute Director, Fraunhofer IKTS), Stephan Eirich (Chairman of the Board of VDMA Battery Production and President of the Eirich Group) and Dr. Sarah Michaelis (Head of VDMA Battery Production). Dr. Mareike Partsch (Fraunhofer IKTS) and Dr. Stefan Jakschik (CEO of ULT AG) will kick off the program with their talk “Learning by Doing – Europe’s Way to Battery Production”. Dr. Janka Oertel of the European Council on Foreign Relations (ECFR) will then examine China’s industrial policy, between export controls, subsidies and overcapacities, as a stress test for Europe’s battery resilience. On day two, Dr. Franz Geyer will present BMW’s perspective on battery recycling as a key to success for Europe, followed by Dr. Linus Fröbose (CTO of Skeleton Technologies) on scaling mass production of high-performance storage systems for AI data centers and grid buffering in Germany. Interactive concept New this year is the interactive concept: instead of traditional guided tours, seven technology market stands at the Fraunhofer BatteryCampus Dresden will invite participants to exchange ideas. Topics range from cutting technology, dry room concepts, dry coating and thin-film technologies to recycling, new cell technologies, robotics and automation. Alongside the Fraunhofer institutes, participating companies include Dürr, Eirich, GROB-WERKE, KUKA, Dienes, Brückner Maschinenbau and MANUGY. Two discussion marketplaces will also address the future of European battery manufacturing between global competition and sovereignty, featuring among others the industry association RECHARGE. Prices Participation costs 320 euros plus VAT for members of VDMA and FVA as well as research institutes, while non-members pay 420 euros plus VAT. Registration is open until August 23, 2026, via VDMA. Registration The registration is open via this link.

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Battery Atlas Map: 58 Manufacturers of Passive Battery Cell Components in Europe

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In cooperation with the chair “Production Engineering of E-Mobility Components” (PEM) of RWTH Aachen University, Battery-News presents an updated map of passive battery cell component manufacturers in Europe (as of February 2026). The overview was compiled by Benedikt Späth and Professor Heiner Heimes (PEM, RWTH Aachen University). The map covers 58 companies: 53 with dedicated sites across 14 countries plus five suppliers operating Europe-wide. Germany dominates the landscape with 27 locations – nearly half of all entries – followed by clusters in Austria, France, the United Kingdom and Hungary. Passive cell components include cell housings, aluminium and copper foils, separator materials, seals and gaskets, adhesives, insulation materials and functional coatings – the parts of a lithium-ion cell that do not take part in the electrochemical reaction. The map is available for free download in high resolution. The overview does not claim to be exhaustive – the editorial team welcomes corrections and additions via the contact form.

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Samsung SDI GM

Samsung SDI Takes Full Ownership of GM Battery Joint Venture in Indiana

Battery Production /

Samsung SDI is acquiring General Motors’ 49.99 percent stake in the joint battery venture “SynergyCells”, becoming the sole owner of the cell plant currently under construction in New Carlisle, Indiana. The South Korean battery manufacturer announced the transaction on Tuesday, confirming an earlier report by Bloomberg. Samsung SDI cited changed market conditions since the joint venture was established, in particular slower-than-expected growth in US electric vehicle demand, as the reason for the restructuring. Partnership was announced 2023 GM and Samsung SDI announced their partnership in April 2023 and finalized the 3.5 billion US dollar joint venture in 2024. The roughly 680-acre site was slated to produce prismatic cells with nickel-rich NCA chemistry under Samsung’s PRiMX brand from 2027, with an initial annual capacity of 27 GWh, expandable to 36 GWh, and more than 1,600 jobs. Missing EV demand Recently, however, the project had stalled: in view of weakening EV demand, the two partners paused construction earlier this year. The building shell has been completed, but no production equipment has been installed so far. According to Bloomberg, GM has invested around 300 million US dollars in developing the site to date. Samsung SDI will complete the plant and produce BESS Samsung SDI now intends to complete the plant on its own and initially produce batteries for stationary energy storage systems (ESS) in order to tap into the fast-growing US storage market. The facility will be the company’s first wholly owned production site in North America. The strategic partnership with GM is set to continue nonetheless, including the joint development of next-generation prismatic cells. GM withdraws from cell manufacturing For GM, the sale marks the latest step in a gradual withdrawal from in-house cell manufacturing capacity: in 2025, the automaker had already divested its stake in the nearly completed Ultium cell plant in Lansing, Michigan, to LG Energy Solution. GM continues to operate two Ultium Cells plants together with LG Energy Solution, where production of LFP cells has recently started as well. SourceReuters, Samsung SDI

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The smarter E Europe: Film showcases pathways to 24/7 renewable energy supply

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New film at The smarter E Europe highlights practical solutions for energy security based on renewables. A new film accompanying the special exhibit “Renewables 24/7 – Secure Energy for a Changing World” at The smarter E Europe together with the ees Europe presents approaches for achieving reliable and continuous energy supply based on renewable energy sources. The film features real-world projects from residential, commercial, industrial, and mobility sectors, illustrated through real footage and 3D animations. It highlights technologies and concepts designed to enable secure and resilient renewable energy systems. The film will be screened several times daily from June 23–25 at the special exhibit in Munich. Trailer

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Morrow

Norwegian battery manufacturer fails despite public financing

Battery Production /

The board of Morrow Batteries ASA has resolved to file for bankruptcy proceedings. The same decision was made for the subsidiaries Morrow Technologies AS and Morrow Industrialization Center AS. According to the company, it was unable to secure additional time to complete ongoing talks with potential industrial investors and financing partners. Arendal battery plant Morrow was founded in 2020 and opened Norway’s first battery cell factory in Arendal in 2024. The facility was designed for LFP cells and had a planned annual capacity of around 1 GWh. Reuters previously reported that Morrow planned three additional factories by 2029, each with 14 GWh of annual capacity. Funding and impact The company received a NOK 1.5 billion loan from Innovation Norway in 2024. According to Norwegian media, around 210 employees are affected by the bankruptcy. Challenging market conditions The company cited difficult market conditions, financing challenges, and broader pressures in the European battery industry. Morrow Batteries had been working on establishing battery cell production capacity in Norway. Source:Morrow

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CAT Powerunit

Caterpillar unveils battery-electric power unit for industrial applications

Battery Development /

U.S. company Caterpillar has unveiled a battery-electric power unit at IFAT 2026. The system is designed for industrial and off-highway applications and is part of the company’s broader electrification strategy. Modular powertrain system The power unit integrates battery, power electronics, and controls into a single system. It is intended to provide manufacturers with a flexible platform for electrifying machinery. With battery-electric solutions, Caterpillar is addressing growing demand for zero-emission powertrains in sectors such as construction, recycling, and municipal equipment. SourceCAT

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CMBlu

CMblu reaches unicorn status after €50 million funding round

Battery Development /

German company CMblu Energy has completed an initial close of its €50 million Series C funding round, surpassing a valuation of €1 billion. The company is now positioning its technology for data center and AI infrastructure applications. Focus on baseload energy solutions CMblu develops organic flow batteries that do not rely on lithium, cobalt, or nickel and are designed for long-duration, stable energy supply. The company aims to provide baseload infrastructure to support the growing energy demand of data centers and digital applications. SourceCMBlu

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Lyten plans battery production for 2028 at former Northvolt site in Heide

Battery Production /

U.S.-based company Lyten plans to take over battery cell production at the former Northvolt site in Heide, Germany, with operations targeted to begin by 2028. The move gives new momentum to a previously stalled project. Lyten is developing lithium-sulfur batteries, which eliminate the need for nickel, cobalt, and manganese. Site and ramp-up The Heide location is considered strategically important for building a European battery value chain. Lyten intends to leverage existing infrastructure and permits to accelerate industrialization. Soruce:NDR

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