Ongoing Research Project

Lithium is a key raw material for the energy transition and is primarily used in lithium-ion batteries for electric vehicles, electronic devices, and energy storage systems. Global demand for lithium is expected to increase sixfold by 2030, which increases the strategic importance of domestic resources in Germany and Europe. In the ThermIon project, Fraunhofer ISE is working with partners from science and industry to develop a new process for the selective extraction of lithium from geothermal sources. | Duration: 10/2024 - 09/2026

Thermal storage units are a central component of climate-neutral heat supply. Storage systems covering a wide range of sizes and temperature ranges are required for buildings, district and municipal heating networks, and industrial applications. In the DRUCKSTORE project, Fraunhofer ISE, together with IPROconsult, IAB Weimar, and m-tec, is developing new manufacturing methods based on concrete 3D printing using ultra-high-performance concretes (UHPC). This combination aims to enable the production of highly integrated storage units with minimal material usage, thereby creating cost-effective and efficient solutions. | Duration: 11/2025 - 10/2028

Einleitungstext | Laufzeit: 01/2023 - 12/2026

Einleitungstext | Laufzeit: 01/2023 - 12/2026

Einleitungstext | Laufzeit: 01/2023 - 12/2026

In order to produce perovskite layers of the highest quality for perovskite-silicon tandem solar cells, we are pursuing a hybrid route combining vacuum evaporation and solution deposition. The two processes complement each other perfectly to enable the deposition of perovskite layers on micrometer-sized silicon pyramids. This has enabled us to achieve efficiencies of over 32%. We are now transferring this technology to our Pero-Si-SCALE technology platform using industrially scalable equipment for full wafer sizes (M12). | Laufzeit: 05/2023 - 04/2026

The drainage of organic soils such as peatlands for agricultural use causes over 40% of greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture each year. The MoorPower project is investigating the extent to which the combination of peatland rewetting and photovoltaics, including when used in conjunction with paludiculture, can reduce emissions. “MoorPower” represents a real gain for natural climate protection, as peatland and paludiculture PV can simultaneously promote certain ecosystem functions and provide renewable resources. | Duration: 12/2024 - 06/2028

The "PV20plus"project supports operators of PV systems that are no longer eligible for EEG remuneration after 20 years in deciding on sustainable and profitable continued operation. What about the value, technical condition, performance, and safety of aging PV systems? To answer these questions reliably, we are developing a method for assessing the remaining service life and repowering potential of the systems, which can be carried out without interrupting operation. | Duration: 10/2024 - 03/2027

The R2MEA project investigated innovative production processes for manufacturing the core component of fuel cells, the membrane electrode assembly (MEA). Laboratory processes and, in particular, industrial roll-to-roll processes were examined. “R2MEA” is a subproject of the joint project “H2GO – National Action Plan for Fuel Cell Production” involving 19 Fraunhofer Institutes to promote the ramp-up of fuel cell production especially for heavy-duty transport in Germany. | Duration: 05/2022 - 11/2025

Multi-family buildings offer largely untapped potential for energy savings and grid services in the US and in Europe. Against the backdrop of rapid electrification, the rise of heat pumps, and increasing regulatory pressure, the project "ABLM: Automated Building Load Modeling" project is developing physics-informed neural networks that can accurately predict the load flexibility of central consumers (heating, domestic hot water, cooling, e-mobility) with just a few input data. The hybrid approach overcomes the limitations of classic simulation and pure AI models and enables scalable, robust demand-side management. | Duration: 06/2025 - 06/2027