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Battery Competence Center scales up to Battery Competence Cluster – NL
With the rise of electrification of cars, buses, trucks and ships, the ongoing nitrogen crisis and the problem of grid congestion, the need for the development and application of new and circular battery technology for transportation and energy storage is great in the Netherlands. Innovative battery technology is indispensable for realizing and accelerating the energy transition. The Netherlands has a lot of knowledge and companies in specific parts of the battery chain and can thus create market opportunities to play an important role in the global battery market.
In 2021, the Battery Competence Center was launched to develop and accelerate the opportunities of the energy transition and battery technology. In this program, industry, knowledge institutions and trade associations are jointly committed to developing a strong battery ecosystem. It brings together the battery, transportation and marine industry of the Netherlands.
From the industry and government side, much has happened on the national level in the recent period, such as the drafting of a National Action Agenda Battery Systems and a National Growth Fund proposal is currently being worked on. To further shape this national approach, Brainport Development, RAI Automotive Industry NL and regional development agency Oost NL are joining forces. Together they are increasing capacity and thus existing power. In this way, they can facilitate the entire battery and materials sector and realize its growth ambitions. With this expansion, the Battery Competence Center will be renamed Battery Competence Cluster - NL.
On Jan. 17, Brainport Development, RAI Automotive Industry NL and Oost NL signed a cooperation agreement in which the partners lay down their joint commitment and capacity in the program office. Oost NL thus officially joins the Battery Competence Cluster - NL and deploys capacity and resources to realize its ambitions.
Theo Föllings, Director of Business Development at Oost NL: "From Oost NL we are tackling the topic 'Battery systems for grid stabilization'. The East Netherlands has a strong cluster of companies in this field. Our commitment is to develop this nationally. Therefore, behind us are also the other eight regional development companies ready to contribute in the development of this ecosystem." Connecting Oost NL and additional capacity expansions are made possible in part by funding from the Province of North Brabant, the Province of Overijssel and the State.
Paul van Nunen, director Brainport Development says, "The Netherlands has great potential to realize earning power with the development of better and more sustainable batteries. The cooperation within the Battery Competence Cluster - NL combines capacity to cash in on this earning potential with more clout and commitment." By working together, multiple innovation projects can be launched over the years. Albie van Buel, director of RAI Automotive Industry NL is delighted with the partnership: "RAI Automotive Industry NL also enters into the partnership on behalf of the national industry association "RAI Vereniging" to support the economic development of the Netherlands and we work on global challenges around energy and mobility."
The partnership is working with many other parties (such as TNO, the universities and HBOs and dozens of companies) on a proposal that will be submitted to the National Growth Fund (NGF) Committee by the Ministry of Economic Affairs in early February. With a contribution from NGF, the sector can invest in further development of new, circular battery technology and take a knowledge position in the European critical materials chain. Main goal: create earning power by becoming more independent from critical materials.
