Swiss firm Phenogy AG and Germany’s HD Advanced Technologies (HDAT), a subsidiary of Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG, have announced a strategic partnership to manufacture sodium-ion battery cells within Europe. By forming a joint venture, the companies aim to integrate Phenogy’s proprietary cell chemistry and design with Heidelberg’s specialized printing processes. This collaboration covers the full spectrum of development, from research to industrial-scale production. The initiative is designed to support critical infrastructure, defense, and mobility sectors, while establishing a robust European industrial platform for battery technology that emphasizes local supply chains and energy sovereignty.
The joint venture seeks to create innovative cell formats tailored to specific performance and design requirements. Beyond cell production, HDAT will manage the industrial manufacturing of complete energy storage systems, including cabinets and containers, for Phenogy. This manufacturing agreement is supported by a long-term framework supply contract that initially focuses on Germany and the broader European market, with future intentions to expand operations into the United States.
Phenogy CEO Peter E. Braun highlighted that the partnership effectively bridges the divide between initial technology development and the industrial capabilities required for widespread market availability. By leveraging local manufacturing, the companies intend to bolster Europe’s energy storage expansion and achieve greater energy independence. This move builds upon Phenogy’s recent entry into the European energy storage market, which was marked by the deployment of a megawatt-hour-scale sodium-ion storage system at a commercial site in northern Germany in September 2025.