NWO, together with Battery Competence Cluster NL (BCC-NL), is making almost 14.5 million euros available. Researchers and companies may jointly submit a proposal for research into battery recycling, development of sodium-ion batteries and bulk batteries. This call is part of the National Growth Fund programme ‘Material Independence & Circular Batteries’. The deadline for submitting applications is 16 September 2025.
Purpose
The aim of this Call for Proposals is to contribute to the innovation programme of the NGF proposal 'Material Independence & Circular Batteries'. This Call for Proposals is therefore aimed at realising key technologies in the production and value chain of batteries, which will accelerate the energy transition, create mutual dependency and increase sustainable earning capacity. In order to achieve these key positions in the development of different parts of the battery chain, this call comprises three separate programme lines:
- Programme line 1: Selective recovery of materials from lithium iron phosphate batteries and associated mixed waste streams.
- Programme line 2: Development of sustainable next generation sodium-ion batteries with lower environmental impact.
- Programme line 3: Development of innovative production technologies for battery systems suitable for Long Duration Energy Storage applications.
In addition, research into techno-economic feasibility, impact assessments and life-cycle analysis are integral parts of this programme.
For whom
Researchers may act as main or co-applicants if they are employed by a Dutch research organisation such as universities, colleges, TO2 institutions or other institutes. For research proposals, consortia must be formed consisting of at least one main applicant, one co-applicant and one collaboration partner. Other research institutions as well as companies or public organisations can participate as collaboration partners. The development of an impact plan is also a mandatory part of the applications.
Important dates and budget
The total available amount for this call is €14,440,000. The budgets per programme line are as follows:
- Programme line 1: € 1,440,000
- Programme line 2: € 8,000,000
- Programme line 3: € 5,000,000
Important dates:
- April 14, 2025: online information meeting
- May 15, 2025: deadline for workshop registration
- May 21, 2025: consortium formation workshop
- September 16, 2025 2:00 PM: deadline for submitting an application
Collaborative workshop Technology development for circular batteries
The collaborative workshop is on May 21. The aim of the workshop is to join forces and to stimulate and facilitate collaboration between scientists and companies.
