Between November 18 and 21, 2024, Battery Cluster Portugal participated in the third Batteries Teachers and Trainers Forum (BaTT Forum), held in Portugal as part of the European project CaBatt – Capacity Building for Battery Teachers in Vocational Education and Training. The event, organized by the ATEC – Academia de Formação, brought together teachers and trainers from several European countries (Finland, Sweden, Czech Republic, Germany, Slovenia, Iceland, Norway, and Portugal) as well as representatives from renowned partner companies in the battery sector. In addition to the Battery Cluster Portugal’s involvement, the event featured members such as DST Solar (and b.again), CALB, Exide, and Edmtech, highlighting the strength of collaboration within the industry. Over the four days of activities, participants had the opportunity to delve into topics such as innovation, sustainability, and digitalization in the battery value chain, while enhancing technical expertise and exploring innovative practices in education and professional training.
Key Highlights from the BaTT Forum
- Relevant Presentations:
- Fernando Machado, General Manager of Battery Cluster Portugal, emphasized Portugal’s strategic lithium reserves and the country’s potential to integrate the entire battery value chain.
- Paulo Alves, CEO of Edmtech, showcased innovative technological solutions such as battery management systems (BMS), thermal control, and IoT integration.
- Sherry Wei, General Manager of CALB Europe, shared plans for contructing a gigafactory in Sines, set to begin lithium-ion battery production in 2027.
- Technical Visits and Practical Activities
- Participants toured ATEC facilities to explore stationary battery applications and electric vehicle safety practices. The program also included visits to the Exide factory and the Electricity Museum, showcasing the historical evolution and modern advancements in energy.
- International Cooperation and Future Perspectives
- The event included and interactive workshop to discuss strategies for professional education and training in the battery sector, as well as exploring new opportunities under the Erasmus+ program.
The BaTT Forum reinforced the importance of professional training as a foundation for a greener, more sustainable future, aligning the sector’s practices with decarbonization and technological innovation goals. The active participation of Battery Cluster Portugal and its members undercores the country’s commitment to leading this strategic field. For more details about the event and the topics covered, we recommend reading the ATEC newsletter.
