Consortium for EDF Project NOMAD on Military Energy Storage Successfully Convenes at VINCORION in Altenstadt
High-ranking experts discussed innovative energy solutions for armed forces – Dutch General Middendorp delivered keynote on Green Defence.
The European research project NOMAD brought together leading experts in military energy technologies in Altenstadt. In September, representatives from nine European countries met at VINCORION’s facility in Bavaria to discuss progress in developing innovative energy storage systems for military operating bases.
The NOMAD project (“NOvel energy storage technologies usable at MilitAry Deployments in forward operating bases”) develops energy storage solutions specifically for deployment in forward military positions and field camps. The technologies are designed to make energy supply more robust and efficient. Under the European Defence Fund (EDF), the project for innovative energy storage receives a total of approximately €20 million.
Sustainability as Operational Necessity
As keynote speaker, General Tom Middendorp, Chairman of the International Military Council on Climate and Security and former Chief of Defence of the Dutch Armed Forces, delivered a well-received presentation on “Green Defence and Sustainability”. The General is regarded as one of the leading experts on the connection between climate protection and defence policy.
According to General Middendorp, sustainable defence technologies primarily offer operational advantages: “For the military, it’s more about self-sufficiency, not so much a climate initiative. The strength lies in combining these goals. It’s not a choice between climate or operational effectiveness. It’s the combination that makes it very significant for the military.”
The former Chief of Defence emphasised the strategic importance of energy-efficient systems: “Self-sufficiency also has operational meaning. If we can make units operate more autonomously, they are less dependent on vulnerable logistical supply lines. Many soldiers have already died in conflicts whilst protecting this logistics. If I can reduce that, it saves lives and frees up forces.”
Regarding European cooperation in the NOMAD project, Middendorp explained: “Europe has enormous innovation capacity. But it is fragmented. If we can bring that together in projects like this, we can create synergies and develop solutions that none of us could deliver separately.” The General sees energy-autonomous systems as “strategic assets” and emphasised: “They will become increasingly essential because we increasingly feel the vulnerabilities. Dependencies are now being weaponised.”
“Energy is a critical factor, particularly in the current geopolitical situation,” said Kajetan von Mentzingen, Chief Executive Officer of VINCORION. “The electrification of military equipment makes energy supply systems primary targets. The NOMAD project is therefore the backbone of European security strategy because it promotes innovation, resilience and sovereignty.”
Kajetan von Mentzingen, Managing Director of VINCORION, at the event.
European Cooperation for Energy Security
Francisca Hernández, NOMAD Project Coordinator from ARPA, subsequently presented project progress and coordination activities carried out since last Consortium meeting held in Athens one year ago. The Spanish Ministry of Defence was represented by María Isabel Pérez-Cerda Herrero, Project Manager on behalf of involved Ministries of Defence.
“The NOMAD project demonstrates how 18 partners from nine countries are working together successfully – a symbol of European unity,” explained von Mentzingen. “Of particular significance is that Europe currently possesses an energy storage system that is dependent on China. Achieving technological sovereignty is of strategic importance for Europe’s security.”
The consortium includes companies and research institutions from Germany, Spain, France, Hungary, Greece, Estonia, Slovenia, the Netherlands and Norway, alongside VINCORION. The project runs from 2022 to 2027.
Technology Demonstration and Facility Tour
Conference participants gained insight into the current development status of various work packages. Thales and other companies presented innovative technologies for the future of energy storage. The European Defence Agency presented its activities in the field of energy and environment through Keynote speech by Br. Gen. (Rt) Ioannis CHATZIALEXANDRIS, EDA’s Energy and Environment Captech Moderator and Team Leader of WG3 (Protection of Critical Energy infrastructure-PCEI) of the CF-SEDSS (Energy Consultation Forum
A programme highlight was the tour of VINCORION’s production facilities in Altenstadt, where components for the NOMAD system are developed and tested. “As hosts, we presented our expertise in military energy technology to our European partners,” said Daniel Zeitler, who moderated the conference. “The intensive exchange between industry, research and defence ministries was extremely productive.”
Strategic Significance for Europe
The NOMAD project is part of European efforts towards technological sovereignty in the defence sector. The developed energy storage technologies are intended to help make utilisation more efficient – thereby increasing the operational flexibility of European armed forces.
Von Mentzingen expressed confidence in the future of the cooperation: “We hope that the partnerships will continue beyond the project’s conclusion in early 2027, including in other EDF projects. VINCORION is pleased to contribute its expertise in energy conversion and distribution. Together we are shaping the European defence area.”
The conference took place at VINCORION’s facility in Altenstadt. The company serves as the German partner responsible for integration and testing of a technological demonstrator, NOMAD System.
About NOMAD: Under NOMAD, European research institutes and companies are developing innovative energy storage technologies for military operations. The project is funded by the European Union and it is financially supported by Ministries of Defence from Germany, Spain, Hungary, Greece, Estonia, Slovenia, the Netherlands and Norway. The European Defence Fund supports it with €20 million. It includes partners from nine European countries.
About VINCORION: VINCORION is a technology company focused on innovative energy systems in safety-critical applications. With over 900 employees at locations in Germany and the USA, the company develops and manufactures solutions for the aerospace, security and defence industries.
Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Commission. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.
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- Virginia Lafuente from ARPA giving her presentation.
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- Reliable energy supply: an SEA generator from VINCORION.
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- On the podium, Daniel Zeitler, Head of Product at VINCORION, discusses with Theodoros Dionysopoulos, IDE Intracom, and Jorge de Renteria from ARPA (from right).
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- Francisca Hernández Uriz, NOMAD Project Coordinator (ARPA) and Eduardo López, NOMAD Project Technical Manager (INTA), (second from left) in discussion at VINCORION.
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About VINCORION
VINCORION is a technology company that specializes in innovative power systems for safety-critical applications, including generators, electric motors, and drives, gensets, power electronics, and hybrid power systems. As a partner to the civil aviation, security and defense, and rail industries, VINCORION develops and manufactures solutions tailored to its customers’ specific requirements on the basis of an in-depth dialog. A high-performance customer support team provides assistance and service to users of the company’s own products and those from third parties throughout the entire product life cycle. With approximately 800 employees at sites in Germany, and the United States, VINCORION generated revenues of approximately 200 million euros in 2024.
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