In August 2018, Germany opened the doors of its biggest battery and energy storage research institute that combines knowledge-oriented research with practical development and innovative production technology.
DERlab member Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) together with Ulm University (UUlm) and the Center for Solar Energy and Hydrogen Research (ZSW) Baden-Württemberg established a joint research platform with the aim to widen and strengthen their collaboration in the area of electrochemical energy storage.
Founded on 1 January 2018, the Center for Electrochemical Energy Storage Ulm-Karlsruhe (CELEST) will plan, prepare and organize new joint endeavors in research, teaching, development and technology transfer.
CELEST will act as a platform to improve communication, to coordinate and further develop joint activities with other universities and research institutions as well as the industry, at home and abroad.
The research program focuses on the following topics:
- Lithium-ion batteries
- Post-lithium batteries
- Alternative electrochemical storage and conversion devices
The new centre aims to improve communication and cooperation between scientists and coordinate joint activities among universities and research institutes. It will also work with the industry on technology transfer, innovation and the commercialization of new technologies.
Additionally, the centre will establish a graduate school in the field of electrochemical energy storage.