Battery Coast: - This is absolutely crucial for the region, the country and the world

- There is a lot you have to research to make improved batteries. We will research in detail how you optimize the battery, says Johannes Landesfeind, about the 5-year project of UiA, Battery Coast.

The goal is for Agder to deliver the best and greenest to the value chain in the battery industry.

Stands behind

- We stand behind this 200 percent. Because this is absolutely crucial for the region, the country and the world. And because it's so much fun. This is important for the environment at the University of Agder, says Tor Borgar Hansen, regional manager at the Research Council.

- Here in Agder you have all aspects of the value chain, but we lack something on the academic side, says Landesfeind, who has experience from both academia and industry, with a PhD in chemistry and batteries, experience from both the BMW manufacturer and industry in Tokyo.

Moving in with Morrow

In September, he moved to Sørlandet to speed up his battery expertise. In April, he moves in together with Morrow in Grimstad with the Battery Coast project. He specifies that the industry has always stood for improvements to the battery since the first car battery was developed in the early 19th century. Constant improvements to the battery are due to the production process - only 13 percent of the improvements are due to better raw materials, Landesfeind can tell.

The sustainability focus takes it further

Now it is the focus on sustainability that pushes the development further. More environmentally friendly and better durability.

- And in Europe they have green energy, it will be possible to produce sustainably, says Landesfeind.

More than ever, students with battery skills are popular on the market. Landesfeind knows of several students in Germany who have got battery-related jobs before they finish their master's degree. Therefore, he sees the great need to develop a course of study in Agder in this field.

- Next autumn special teaching in batteries starts for the first time. And you will definitely get a job when you finish, he points out.

Now all that remains is to recruit students who want to work with the "new oil" of the future.