Basque research centre specializing in next-generation batteries, energy storage systems, and graphene-based energy materials for electric mobility and grid storage.
CIC energiGUNE is a Basque Country research centre specializing in electrochemical energy storage, advanced batteries, and thermal energy solutions. They develop next-generation battery technologies — solid-state electrolytes, lithium-metal anodes, cobalt-free chemistries, and redox flow batteries — bridging fundamental materials science with industrial-scale energy storage applications. They also contribute to the Graphene Flagship, applying 2D materials to energy devices, and explore unconventional energy harvesting such as triboelectric and waste-heat conversion systems.
Core contributor across SAFELiMOVE (coordinator), SUBLIME, LISA, 3beLiEVe, CoFBAT, IMAGE, and BATTERY 2030PLUS — spanning solid-state electrolytes, lithium-sulphur, and generation 3b/4b cells.
Participated in all three Graphene Flagship Core Projects (GrapheneCore1-3) plus the 2D Experimental Pilot Line, contributing to energy applications of graphene composites.
Coordinated HIGREEW, developing affordable aqueous organic-based redox flow batteries with integrated LCA and cost analysis.
Coordinated SOLSTORE on solid-state thermal storage, participated in ORC-PLUS (organic Rankine cycle) and INSHIP (solar heat for industry).
Coordinated RESLAG (their largest single grant at EUR 1.29M), converting steel industry waste into feedstock for energy-intensive processes.
Coordinated Electro-Intrusion (2021-2025), exploring nanotriboelectricity to convert ambient heat and vibrations into electricity — a new research direction for the centre.
In their earlier H2020 period (2015-2018), CIC energiGUNE balanced graphene research, thermal energy storage, and industrial applications like laser surface functionalisation and steel waste recycling. From 2019 onward, the centre sharply pivoted toward battery technologies — solid-state electrolytes, cobalt-free chemistries, lithium-metal anodes, and redox flow systems became dominant, with nearly every new project focused on electrochemical storage. This shift mirrors the European push for battery sovereignty and electric vehicle supply chain independence.
CIC energiGUNE is consolidating as a European battery research hub, increasingly focused on solid-state and post-lithium-ion chemistries for electric vehicles and stationary storage.
CIC energiGUNE operates primarily as an active partner (15 of 21 projects), but demonstrates real leadership capability — coordinating 6 projects across diverse topics from batteries to waste valorisation. With 391 unique consortium partners across 30 countries, they are a highly connected hub rather than a captive participant tied to a few recurring partners. This broad network makes them an accessible and experienced collaborator for new consortium builders seeking a credible energy storage partner in Southern Europe.
With 391 unique partners spanning 30 countries, CIC energiGUNE maintains one of the denser collaboration networks among Spanish research centres. Their partnerships span from Graphene Flagship mega-consortia to focused battery development teams, giving them connections across academia, industry, and RTOs throughout Europe.
CIC energiGUNE occupies a rare position as a dedicated energy storage research centre with deep expertise across multiple battery chemistries — solid-state, lithium-sulphur, cobalt-free, and redox flow — under one roof. Unlike university labs that focus on a single chemistry, they can evaluate and compare storage technologies, making them a one-stop partner for projects that need to assess trade-offs between competing approaches. Their dual roots in both the Graphene Flagship and the battery ecosystem mean they can integrate advanced materials directly into cell design, a capability few centres combine at this level.
