A senior researcher from ISSP UL’s Energy Materials Laboratory, Dr. Chem. Gunārs Bajārs, and head of the same laboratory, Dr. phys. Gints Kučinskis recently attended Battery Innovation Days 2024 in Barcelona, Spain, held from November 26 to November 27. This prominent event is designed to bring together key players and experts in the battery field. It is co-organized by leading European Research & Innovation initiatives, including Batteries Europe and Battery 2030+, and focuses on fostering a competitive and sustainable European battery value chain.
During their visit, the researchers engaged with cutting-edge trends in Li-ion and Na-ion battery technology. Notable discussions included:
- Anwar Ahniyaz from the Research Institutes of Sweden (RISE) highlighted upcoming EU funding calls.
- Katja Fröhlich from the Austrian Institute of Technology (AIT) shared insights from AIT’s recent experiences with the EU’s Hop-on facility.
- Nicolas Bucher from VARTA Microbattery discussed current collaborations and the evolving battery landscape in Europe.
- Thomas Traussnig from AV addressed the challenges of battery aging and potential mitigation strategies.
Participation in the conference proved to be highly beneficial, yielding valuable knowledge about the battery industry and fostering the expansion of professional networks. As the demand for innovative energy storage solutions continues to grow, events like Battery Innovation Days play a crucial role in shaping the future of battery technology.
Battery Innovation Days provide an opportunity for dialogue among researchers, policymakers, industry players, and end-users. Attendees can engage in discussions on cutting-edge technologies in battery materials, cell design, manufacturing, and recycling, which are crucial for advancing the EU’s zero-emissions goals. It also facilitates networking, knowledge exchange, and collaboration, which are essential for driving innovation and addressing challenges in the battery industry.