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Action Agenda Energy Materials

The Action Agenda Energy Materials focuses on strengthening the Netherlands' position in battery cell and electrolysis technology. The aim is to secure the Netherlands' future earning capacity, both in terms of economic growth and employment. In addition, the agenda aims to increase strategic relevance and resilience, among other things by reducing dependence on critical raw materials. At the same time, it contributes to accelerating the energy transition and achieving CO₂ reduction. The focus is on developing innovative materials, advanced production processes and mechanical engineering, with the aim of acquiring strategic control points in European value chains by 2035.

Within battery cell technology, the Netherlands has a strong knowledge position in the field of battery materials, including silicon and lithium anodes and sodium-ion technology, as well as a leading position in mechanical engineering. The ecosystem is active and organised, led by the Battery Competence Cluster Netherlands (BCC-NL), which has identified opportunities within the Netherlands in niche markets such as defence, aviation, heavy-duty applications and the maritime sector. In addition, there is a clear role for the Netherlands as a supplier to European gigafactories.

The Netherlands also has a broad ecosystem in the field of electrolysis technology, with a focus on PEM, alkaline and SOE technologies. Important opportunities lie in building intellectual property (IP), scaling up production capacity and strengthening the position in European value chains. Innovations focus on further cost reduction, higher efficiency and improved sustainability.


Download the appendices to this Action Agenda (Dutch) here:

Innovation Programmes

Within this Action Agenda, seven Innovation Programmes have been developed that collectively contribute to strengthening battery cell and electrolysis technology in the Netherlands. The programmes focus on equipment industrialisation, digital optimisation, cell production infrastructure, strategic innovation chains, and PEM, alkaline and SOE electrolysis. The content of each innovation programme is explained below.

Innovation Programme Battery cell technology 1 | Acceleration of equipment industrialisation (front-end)

In line with NGF3 MI&CB (Material Independence & Circular Batteries), this Innovation Programme focuses on scaling up more energy-efficient production equipment for new circular materials in the front end of the production process. The aim is to bring this equipment to a credible level for application in GWh cell production factories. These are unique materials with sales opportunities in a global market.

Innovation Programme Battery cell technology 2 | Digital optimisation of battery production processes

Flexible battery production often leads to additional downtime due to adjustments and the restarting of processes. This Innovation Programme focuses on developing methods to extensively automate and accelerate these processes. It builds on the strong Dutch industrial high-tech base and university knowledge.

Innovation Programme Battery cell technology 3 | Dutch Cell Production Infrastructure (back-end)

This Innovation Programme aims to develop flexible production infrastructure for battery cells. This infrastructure is suitable for various input materials, supports the adoption of innovative battery materials and enables the production of cells based on specific end-user requirements.

Innovation Programme Battery cell technology 4 | Strategic innovation chain

This fourth Innovation Programme aims to strengthen the position of Dutch start-ups and scale-ups within the battery value chain. The focus is on innovations that extend the life of battery materials and on creating a breeding ground for sustainable Dutch battery technology. In this way, the programme contributes to increasing the strategic relevance and resilience of the Dutch battery ecosystem.

Innovation Programme Electrolysis technology 1 | High-performance materials and advanced cell and stack designs for PEM electrolysis

This Innovation Programme focuses on developing cost-effective and scalable PEM systems through the use of innovative materials, optimised interfaces and modular cell and stack designs. The programme contributes to achieving CO₂ reduction, strengthens European strategic autonomy and creates the preconditions for large-scale deployment of green hydrogen in industry and energy storage.

Innovation Programme Electrolysis technology 2 | High-performance materials and advanced cell and stack designs for flexible alkaline water electrolysis

This programme aims to make alkaline water electrolysis (AWE) safer, more efficient and more sustainable. The focus is on three main objectives: developing advanced electrode and separator materials, improving cell and stack designs, and robust testing protocols and measurement techniques to better understand and control degradation.

KPIs for this programme include doubling the current density, a safe minimum load, faster ramp-up, and significantly reduced degradation. Specific attention will be paid to improved separators, stress and simulation tests, in-situ diagnostics, sustainable catalysts, optimised electrode structures, and electrolyte compositions.

Innovation Programme Electrolysis technology 3 | Scaling up, sustainability and reliability for SOE electrolysis

This programme focuses on developing robust and scalable Solid Oxide Electrolysis (SOE) technology, which plays a key role in the energy transition. The aim is to significantly increase the power density of SOE cells and stacks by increasing the active surface area and optimising stack configurations. This will make large-scale implementation economically viable.

In addition, this innovation programme focuses on increasing the sustainability and reliability of SOE systems. By understanding degradation mechanisms and mitigating them in a targeted manner, the programme works to extend the lifespan of both cells and stacks.