CIDETEC Energy Storage becomes the European capital of battery innovation

On 28 and 29 January, Donostia will host an international event on gigafactories alongside meetings of two strategic European projects, bringing together some of the most influential experts in the battery sector at international level.

At a time when European industry has highlighted its technological challenges and external dependencies, the recently presented Battery Deal for Europe sets out the roadmap towards a complete, competitive, sustainable and fully self-sufficient value chain. In this key context, CIDETEC Energy Storage will place Donostia at the heart of the European battery innovation landscape by hosting three high-level meetings that will strengthen the region’s position as a benchmark hub for energy storage.

Over the course of these days, around 75 specialists from eight European countries—including representatives from industry, machinery manufacturers, technology centres, universities, and experts in materials and cells—will take part in working sessions linked to two initiatives that are essential for the future of batteries in Europe: ATENA+, focused on the development of sustainable and competitive sodium-ion batteries, and GIGABAT, aimed at promoting digitalised, efficient European gigafactories based on machinery made in Europe.

As the coordinating entity for both projects, CIDETEC Energy Storage will host the ATENA+ and GIGABAT meetings, which will be held at its new facilities in Eskuzaitzeta.

Building and operating
circular Gigafactories in Europe

As a highlight, the final day will feature an international workshop at Naturklima, focusing on one of the major industrial challenges of the coming decade: the design, operation and circularity of European gigafactories. Aligned with the strategy of the Zirkular Bat initiative, in which CIDETEC and Naturklima collaborate, the event will be opened by José Ignacio Asensio, Regional Councillor for Sustainability of the Provincial Council of Gipuzkoa.

“Bringing together industrial leaders, leading technology centres and top-level institutional representatives here demonstrates the growing role of our region in the energy transition,” notes Oscar Miguel, Deputy Director of CIDETEC Energy Storage.

Among the experts gathering in Donostia during these days will be representatives of leading European battery manufacturers such as SAFT, PowerCo and Verkor; companies including IBERDROLA Renovables and Dassault Systèmes; renowned technology centres such as RISE, ZSW and VITO, alongside CIDETEC Energy Storage; as well as other key stakeholders such as Braunschweig Technical University, the consultancy McKinsey, and the European associations LIPLANET and UPCELL.

The event will also feature the prominent participation of Joan Gonzalez Fabra, R&I Policy Officer at BEPA (Batteries European Partnership Association), who will deliver a presentation on the Battery Deal for Europe, providing strategic insight into the sector’s priorities and needs.