Ongoing Research Project

FAiL is a laboratory demonstrator system designed to visualise critical defects in large-format cells, record the mechanisms behind their formation in real time, and simultaneously minimise the rejection of flawless cells. The aim is to achieve a significant reduction in scrap, an improved environmental footprint, and a data-driven quality standard for European battery cell manufacturing. | Duration: 01/2025 - 12/2027

The Power-to-X Colombia 2.0 project deepens the analysis of the potential for the production and use of sustainable energy sources in Colombia identified in the previous Power-to-X Colombia project. These are also being expanded with a focus on innovative hybrid concepts. To this end, technical concepts for hybrid first-mover projects are being developed that combine biomass residues with Power-to-X technologies. This reduces production costs and enables more efficient use of resources. Under the leadership of Fraunhofer ISE and with the support of partners such as the Asociación Nacional de Empresarios de Colombia (ANDI) and the Federation of German Industries (BDI), the project promotes the establishment of regional hydrogen hubs, opens up export opportunities, and drives forward the green transformation. | Duration: 09/2025 - 05/2026

The growing market for galvanically metallized (plating) solar cells requires innovative technology in the field of laser structuring - a higher resolution for smaller conductor paths, a large processing field for growing wafer formats and faster beam deflection for shorter process times. In "Miracle", Fraunhofer ISE and five industrial partners are coming together to jointly develop and build new system concepts that will make laser structuring for plating more economical and competitive and thus enable high silver savings in solar cell production. | Duration: 02/2023 - 01/2026

Up to now, the decision to buy solar modules has mainly been driven by price. Evaluation criteria such as recyclability, CO2 emissions during production or the avoidance of environmentally harmful substances play a subordinate role in the purchasing decision. For this reason, an ecodesign regulation with an associated energy label for solar modules is being prepared at EU level and is due to come into force in 2024. The aim is to provide customers with information on the sustainability of solar modules. In addition, solar modules that exceed certain limits are to be that exceed certain limit values. | Duration: 06/2023 - 05/2026

Einleitungstext | Laufzeit: 01/2023 - 12/2026

More and more consumers and investors want heating systems that are both sustainable and economical. To date, there is no uniform data and model basis for evaluating technologies across all technologies. This is essential for consumers' investment decisions as well as sustainable product development by manufacturers and the optimal coupling of different heating technologies. The »Efficient Heating« project aims to close this gap and provide a methodology for the comparable ecological and economic evaluation of different heating systems and define suitable data formats. In addition, reference heating systems and scenarios for single-family and multi-family houses in various states of renovation will be developed. | Duration: 07/2022 - 12/2025

Project in the Business Area Energy Efficient Buildings, Topic: Heat Pumps, Building Systems Technology, Duration: 04/2021 - 03/2026

Project in the Business Area: Photovoltaics, III-V and Concentrator Photovoltaics, Topic: III-V Silicon Tandem Photovoltaics, Duration: 12/2020 - 02/2026

Electrical energy storage (EES) is a key element of the global energy transition. This applies to many regions in Germany as well as in the global south. In some cases, the latter have an inadequate energy supply infrastructure, but great potential for renewable power generation. Decentralized energy supply concepts based on renewable energies offer the opportunity for economic development here. EES can support by serving power grid stability in addition to the supply task. On the one hand, EESs must be sufficiently efficient under climate conditions, while at the same time being cost-effective and safe. Lithium-ion EES appear less suitable for this purpose, so alternative battery technologies are needed. | Duration: 02/2023 - 01/2026

In the “DekarAsphalt” project, Fraunhofer ISE is investigating the decarbonization of process heat supply in asphalt production through electrification. The project analyzes the integration of electric heaters, heat pumps, storage systems (including thermal and battery storage), and hydrogen to replace or reduce the use of fossil fuels and balance out the fluctuating power generation from renewable energy sources. The goal is to significantly reduce CO₂ emissions and energy costs while simultaneously developing a practical roadmap for climate-neutral asphalt mixing plants. | Duration: 03/2025 - 09/2025