The Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), the Ulm University (UUlm) and the Centre for Solar Energy and Hydrogen Research Baden-Württemberg (ZSW) strengthen their collaboration in the area of Electrochemical Energy Storage. Founded on Jan 1, 2018, the Center for Electrochemical Energy Storage Ulm-Karlsruhe (CELEST) plans, prepares and organizes new joint endeavors in research, teaching, development and technology transfer. CELEST shall act as a platform to improve communication and to co-ordinate and further develop joint activities with other universities and research institutions as well as the industry, at home and abroad. With 30 institutes, which are active in the field of electrochemical energy storage, CELEST represents the largest research platform for this topic in Germany.
“CELEST is a logical next step in linking the Ulm and Karlsruhe locations more closely. The HIU as a joint institute of the KIT and the University of Ulm with its structure represents a nucleus of this now extended network”, emphasizes Maximilian Fichtner, director of HIU.
The expertise at both sites is complementary and ranges from basic research on the atomic scale to the largest pilot plant for cell production in Germany. The three institutions will co-operate on interdisciplinary research and development ranging from basic research to technical applications and on the qualification of students.
“CELEST places emphasis on Li-Ion technology, Energy Storage Beyond Lithium and Alternative Techniques for Electrochemical Energy Storage and covers all current topics in this field. On the topic Energy storage beyond lithium the platform takes up a national and international top position, says Fichtner.