The $523 million Battery Breakthrough Initiative has opened for consultation, aiming to enhance the development of Australia’s battery manufacturing capability.
Announced in the 2024–25 Federal Budget, the program is being delivered by the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) and is expected to improve supply chain resilience and provide opportunities for Australia’s economy and workforce in the renewable energy transition.
ARENA CEO, Darren Miller, said that batteries are a crucial enabler of Australia’s emissions reduction goals.
“Energy storage technology is absolutely critical for our renewable energy future. We know that solar and wind energy can provide us the lowest cost renewable energy at scale, but we also need to be able to store it for when it is needed.
“The Battery Breakthrough Initiative will aim to commercialise battery manufacturing technology and processes, provide clean energy opportunities for Australia’s workforce and allow Australia to leverage its expertise in energy storage.
“We want to work with industry to identify where the opportunities are to supercharge Australia’s battery manufacturing sector.”
The project is central to the Federal Government’s National Battery Strategy, and ARENA will work closely with the Department of Industry, Science and Resources (DISR) to deliver it.
It is proposed that the program will initially focus on the production of active materials, battery cell manufacturing and battery pack assembly. Through the consultation, ARENA is seeking feedback on market readiness, and design of the program.
The draft program design also proposes that funding could be provided by either production-linked payments or capital grants, depending on the needs of the project.
Consultation is now open, with submissions due by 10am, Monday 7 October 2024. ARENA is aiming to launch the program by late 2024 or early 2025.
Image credit: Phonlamai Photo/Shutterstock.com.
