Bridging continents with batteries: a precious bond
How a Sino-German collaboration builds more than technology in Hebei
After over a decade of cooperation with Chinese people and companies, Klaus-Dieter Merz from Germany has gained confidence in the country’s scientific and technological development level.
Merz, 70, first came to Gucheng county in Hengshui city, Hebei province, in 2012.
Since then, he has been a chief expert at Hebei Allgrand Battery Co, dedicating himself to collaborative research and technical exchange in developing new batteries for SinoGerman markets.
“I met Merz when I studied in Germany in 2000. Back then, we often engaged in academic exchanges,” said Meng Xianghui, 45, chairman of the Guchengbased company.
Meng recalled that after he completed his studies and returned to China, he took over his family’s enterprise and maintained regular contact with Merz, hoping for an opportunity to work together.
After learning about the Chinese company’s experience in technical research and development, hardware conditions, and environmental protection concepts, Merz readily accepted Meng’s invitation.
According to Meng, Merz has more than 30 years of experience in battery technology and is a globally renowned electrochemistry expert whose research areas include electrochemistry, battery manufacturing and energy engineering.
In 2012, Merz was appointed as chief expert at Meng’s company. Over the next 12 years, he made multiple annual trips between Germany and China.
“It should be said that it was Meng who chose me first, and then the strength of his company deeply attracted me,” said Merz.
Filling a gap
He recalled that a decade ago, there was a gap between China and the West in terms of enterprise production, technological level and societal conditions.
“But what I saw was the unlimited development potential of this country,” Merz said.
He then led a team of experts at the company. He developed a new generation of large cylindrical high-performance lithium batteries with high energy density, long cycle life and a wide operating temperature range, filling the gap in this field in China, according to Meng.
Now, Merz is collaborating with the company to research and develop sodium-ion and solidstate batteries.
Two products have already been finalized.
“We expect to start producing them in August. They will mainly be used in energy storage markets such as photovoltaic power,” Meng said.
The company’s sales network covers places across China and more than 60 countries and and wind regions in North America, Europe, Africa, Southeast Asia and other parts of the world.
Merz is optimistic about the future of the new energy project with his Chinese partner.
“In this era when green and clean new energy is increasingly valued worldwide, sodium-ion batteries, compared to widely used lithium batteries, have a higher safety factor,” Merz said, adding that the primary raw material, sodium, is widely available and can be extracted from salt.
“This will significantly reduce costs and is conducive to widespread production,” Merz said.
Thanks to the decade of friendly cooperation, Merz has gained many insights.
“In China, there are highly skilled technical personnel and high-quality production line workers, and China’s level of electronic and technological development has become more advanced and sophisticated,” Merz said.
“We have had a very pleasant cooperation. Merz has provided us with guidance and assistance, and we have learned the professional rigor and innovative spirit of German experts, continuously propelling the progress of our company,” said Sun Hao, deputy general manager of the battery producer Allgrand Battery Co.
Windows of opportunity
During these 12 years, China’s rapid development in all aspects and its preserved traditional culture have opened new windows for Merz to understand the country.
Merz revisited Gucheng county from March 2 to March 7 during his latest trip to China.
While there, he discussed the R&D status and technology of the new batteries with his Chinese partner.
Merz also visited sites like the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal, the longest artificial river in the world.
“The major cities in China have developed rapidly and reached the forefront of the world, while the countryside retains a simple way of life, where the beauty of life and nature blend together,” he said.
While walking down a historical and cultural street in Gucheng, Merz marveled at candied haws, local specialties, handicrafts and hanging lanterns.
In front of a stall selling traditional Chinese toys, he carefully selected two costumed dolls in the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) style.
“I want to bring them back to Germany for my two granddaughters. The children really like Chinese things,” said Merz.
He recalled that he previously brought them back Chinese cheongsams, which they were excited to wear.
“I look forward to tasting delicious Chinese foods in the future and learning more about Chinese history,” Merz said, adding that in his heart, China has become his second home.