Fraunhofer Institute for Laser Technology ILT
Fraunhofer Institute for Laser Technology ILT
Green energy in full development.Increase in electricity prices on the world market.

Energy Industry

The energy sector forms the backbone of an industrial society. It provides the necessary energy for production and prosperity. A reliable and stable energy supply is essential for a country to compete on international markets. Transitioning to renewable energies and implementing environmentally friendly technologies are key factors in minimizing the environmental impact of industrial production and promoting more sustainable economic practices.

Current challenges in the energy industry

The energy transition has long since begun. The energy sector is facing a variety of challenges, but these also represent great opportunities. Technological innovations such as distributed energy storage, smart grids, decentralized energy generation and digitalization open up opportunities for new business models. In addition to needing considerable investment, the expansion of the energy infrastructure requires technological advances and new ways of thinking. It is still crucial to optimize energy production and use resources more efficiently.

Solutions from Fraunhofer ILT

The Fraunhofer Institute for Laser Technology ILT is an experienced partner for companies in the energy sector looking for innovative solutions. The institute has powerful technologies at its disposal to make products and processes more economical and sustainable.

In the field of renewable energies, Fraunhofer ILT advances process technologies to improve the efficiency and performance of photovoltaic and solar thermal systems. One of the technologies developed by the institute is the laser structuring of solar cells to increase light absorption and efficiency. Fusion research is a strategic topic: Here, Fraunhofer ILT is concentrating in particular on developing high-energy laser beam sources and optical systems for inertial confinement fusion. To this end, the institute has networked with European and transatlantic partners.

For many years, Fraunhofer ILT has been optimizing conventionally operated energy systems such as generators and turbines. Lasers can be used to process parts and components precisely and quickly. Whether cooling channels created by laser drilling, turbine components repaired by additive manufacturing or components provided with special coatings, laser processes can be used to increase the efficiency and performance of turbines and reduce maintenance costs.

 

© Fraunhofer ILT, Aachen.

Battery technology

Fraunhofer ILT develops complete process chains with efficient laser processes for the production of battery modules and battery packs. It aims to improve production and increase the performance of batteries.

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© Fraunhofer ILT, Aachen.

Hydrogen technology

Green hydrogen is the energy source of the future, but costs must be reduced. Fraunhofer ILT offers highly productive laser processes for scaling up the production of electrolyzers, fuel cells and components.

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© Fraunhofer ILT, Aachen.

Turbine construction

Fraunhofer ILT develops innovative production technologies for energy generation, particularly in the field of turbine components. Additive manufacturing improves energy efficiency.

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© Fraunhofer ILT, Aachen

Fusion

Fusion technologies promise nothing less than clean and sustainable energy for future generations. In inertial confinement fusion, high-energy lasers provide the necessary temperatures and pressures for fusion to take place.

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© Pixabay

Photovoltaics

Solar energy is indispensable, but costs need to be reduced and efficiency increased. Fraunhofer ILT is developing laser processes for the cost-effective production of highly efficient solar cells.

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© Fraunhofer ILT, Aachen, Germany.

The Fraunhofer ILT offers a comprehensive infrastructure to realize your ideas

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Current Project Results

Contact person Competencies

Carlo Holly

Contact Press / Media

Univ.-Prof. Carlo Holly

Head of Department Data Science and Measurement Technology

Fraunhofer Institute for Laser Technology ILT
Steinbachstr. 15
52074 Aachen

Phone +49 241 8906-142

Christian Vedder

Contact Press / Media

Dr. Christian Vedder

Head of Department Surface Technology and Ablation

Fraunhofer Institute for Laser Technology ILT
Steinbachstr. 15
52074 Aachen

Phone +49 241 8906-378

Hans-Dieter Hoffmann

Contact Press / Media

Dipl.-Ing. Hans-Dieter Hoffmann

Head of Department Laser and Optical Systems

Fraunhofer Institute for Laser Technology ILT
Steinbachstr. 15
52074 Aachen

Phone +49 241 8906-206

  • Send email
Alexander Olowinsky

Contact Press / Media

Dr.-Ing. Alexander Olowinsky

Head of Department Joining and Cutting

Fraunhofer Institute for Laser Technology ILT
Steinbachstr. 15
52074 Aachen

Phone +49 241 8906-491

  • Send email
Tim Lantzsch

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Dr.-Ing. Tim Lantzsch

Head of Department Laser Powder Bed Fusion

Fraunhofer Institute for Laser Technology ILT
Steinbachstr. 15
52074 Aachen

Phone +49 241 8906-193

Fax +49 241 8906-121

Thomas Schopphoven

Contact Press / Media

Dr.-Ing. Thomas Schopphoven

Head of department Laser Material Deposition

Fraunhofer Institute for Laser Technology ILT
Steinbachstr. 15
52074 Aachen

Phone +49 241 8906-8107

Current Press Releases

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  • KISSSEs instead of precious metals: Efficient laser solutions for electrolysis

    Press Release / November 26, 2025

    Over the next three years, the Fraunhofer Institute for Laser Technology ILT will be working with regional partners to develop new technologies to reduce the cost-intensive use of precious metals in proton exchange membrane electrolyzers. At Fraunhofer ILT's Hydrogen Lab, researchers are presenting the entire process chain – from simulation and testing to the manufacturing of components and systems for hydrogen technology.

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  • Making photonics more efficient with AI

    Press Release / October 30, 2025

    Prof. Carlo Holly, Head of the Chair of Optical Systems Technology at RWTH Aachen University and Head of the Data Science and Measurement Technology Department at Fraunhofer ILT, at the conference “AI in Photonics – Adding Value in Laser Manufacturing Technology & Optical Design.”
    © SPECTARIS / Regina Sablotny.

    How can artificial intelligence (AI) contribute to value creation in laser manufacturing technology and optical design? What approaches are there and what is missing to leverage the potential? A conference organized by SPECTARIS and supported by Fraunhofer ILT and the German Association for IT-SMEs in Berlin on October 1 and 2 provided answers.

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  • Laser fusion – a promising market at LASER 2025

    Press Release / June 11, 2025

    Prof. Constantin Haefner, Executive Board Member for Research and Transfer at the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft, will open the discussion with his keynote speech on the application panel “Laser Fusion: Energizing Photonics Industry”.
    © Fraunhofer ILT, Aachen, Germany / Andreas Steindl.

    Laser-based inertial confinement fusion is a market that holds strategic value for the photonics industry. Its feasibility has already been demonstrated. In Germany, consortia from industry and research are forming to tap this climate-neutral and intrinsically safe energy source and create powerful supply chains for it. The state is providing over one billion euros to develop basic technologies for fusion power plants. Current approaches have great potential for innovation beyond fusion. Key players will meet at LASER 2025 for the application panel "Laser Fusion: Energizing photonics Industry". Led by the Fraunhofer ILT, it will shed light on the market potential and opportunities of fusion.

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  • Making heavy-duty transportation sustainable with large-format hybrid compound bipolar plates

    Press Release / January 28, 2025

    Compound film for bipolar plates: In the HyCoFC research project, researchers are working on durable, cost-effective and powerful fuel cells for heavy-duty applications. Innovative material combinations and state-of-the-art laser technologies are being used.
    © Fraunhofer UMSICHT

    In the HyCoFC research project, industry and research partners are working together to develop bipolar plates for durable, cost-effective and high-performance fuel cells, specifically for heavy-duty applications. The project is using innovative material combinations and the latest laser technologies to meet the strict requirements and demanding conditions in heavy-duty transportation. In this way, HyCoFC not only addresses sustainability in logistics, but also strengthens Germany as a business location and creates forward-looking solutions for the energy transition.

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