News 2025

Next-generation battery technologies play an important role in the energy and mobility transition. A research team from the Universities of Münster and Cambridge and the Fraunhofer Research Institution for Battery Cell Production (Fraunhofer FFB) has analysed global competition in this field by comparing patents and innovation strategies across various regions, focusing on next-generation battery technologies for electric vehicles. The study identifies the positions of different regions (China, Japan, South Korea, Europe and the United States) regarding their technological priorities and innovation strategies. The researchers considered future battery technologies for high-energy applications as well as future technologies for low cost applications. They conclude that Europe and the United States risk losing the race for leadership in future battery technologies.

What strategic opportunities arise from the energy transition for companies? Providing an answer to this and similar questions is the daily business of Christoph Gerwin, Manager at AFRY Management Consulting. Providing a range of examples, Christoph outlined how to develop a strategy for offshore wind power providers or how to increase sustainability for a well-planed coal phase-out. We thank Christoph for his time and looking forward to future insight from practitioners.

Cargo transport is responsible for an enormous carbon footprint. Between 2010 and 2018 the transport sector generated around 14% of global greenhouse gas emissions. To address this problem, experts are looking for alternative, climate-friendly solutions – not only for road transport, but also for shipping, a sector in which powering cargo ships with batteries has proved especially difficult. One promising but hardly researched solution involves small, autonomous, hydrogen-powered boats that can partially replace long-haul trucking. A research team led by business chemist Prof Stephan von Delft from the University of Münster has now examined this missing link. It has mathematically modelled such a boat for the first time and carried out a life cycle- and cost analysis. “Our calculations show in which scenarios hydrogen-powered boats are not only more sustainable but also more economical compared to established transport solutions,” explains Stephan von Delft. “They are therefore relevant for policymakers and industry.”

Producing batteries for electric cars requires a complex supply chain. Researchers from Fraunhofer FFB and the University of Münster analyzed the ownership structures and geopolitical dependencies along this supply chain. The result: China controls almost the entire value chain of lithium-ion batteries.