Industrial Automation Magazine India

Dr Christian Rosenkranz appointed chairman of Consortium for Battery Innovation

Published on : Wednesday 20-01-2021

Battery research critical in battle to reverse climate change, says new consortium chairman.

Durham, N.C., January 19, 2021 – Investment in battery research is key to reducing carbon emissions and boosting electrification, according to the newly appointed chairman of global battery research hub the Consortium for Battery Innovation (CBI).

Dr Christian Rosenkranz is calling on governments and industry to work more closely to help accelerate the development of advanced battery technologies.

Dr Rosenkranz, who is Vice President Industry and Governmental Relations EMEA of CBI member and battery manufacturer Clarios, said: "We need to see a huge uplift in rechargeable battery energy storage if countries are to get anywhere near the global targets for reducing carbon emissions. As we approach the COP26 talks later this year we should be pressing for more commitments to support battery research into new and existing technologies in partnership with industry.

"At the Consortium we are conducting and supporting innovative research projects in Europe, the United States and Asia which will significantly improve the performance of advanced lead batteries. But we need to see a concerted effort to support further research efforts to support high-performance, reliable and cost-effective batteries for the future."

A long-standing member of the lead battery industry, Dr Rosenkranz aims to build on the success of CBI since its formation in 2019. He said: "It's an exciting time to head a consortium which has already made great strides in driving global innovation in lead battery technology across all applications."

Dr Rosenkranz replaces Dr Tim Ellis, of RSR Technologies, CBI's inaugural chairman.

"I'm grateful to Dr Ellis for his pivotal leadership in helping ensure CBI plays a vital role in demonstrating the innovation potential of lead batteries around the world," Dr Rosenkranz said.

Clarios, a global leader in automotive batteries, is actively supporting the electrification of the automotive power train with the advanced lead batteries they design and manufacture. The universal introduction of AGM (Absorbent Glass Mat) batteries provides optimal performance in the automotive environment and Clarios is leading development and innovation in the technology through four global R&D centres to optimise the capture of recuperative energy in vehicles.