The Queensland Government has launched a tool that aims to help battery technology companies identify business and supply chain gaps to support domestic production.
The Battery Supply Chain Database was developed by the Queensland Government in partnership with the Advanced Materials and Battery Council and is expected to support manufacturers looking to gain a competitive advantage in the emerging battery manufacturing industry.
Manufacturers outside of the battery supply chain can also use the database to identify new customers and markets and to connect with the battery supply chain and potential investors.
The Battery Supply Chain Database is an action of the Queensland Battery Industry Strategy 2024–2029 and will be hosted on the Industry Capability Network.
Queensland Minister for Regional Development and Manufacturing and Water, Glenn Butcher, said, “This is a great step forward to support an emerging battery industry and to showcase the potential of Queensland’s manufacturing industry to supply components of the global value chain.
“Importantly, Queensland’s regions will play a major role in supporting new battery technology, with huge dividends expected through the creation of new jobs and more economic growth and long-term prosperity.”
Mr Butcher said that the database can be a valuable tool that will give a boost to emerging battery technology companies who will be able to identify national business and supply chain opportunities to support domestic production.
“By getting in early, we can ensure Queensland manufacturers have the pioneer’s advantage, staking a claim in the marketplace and becoming established early.”
Queensland Minister for State Development and Infrastructure, Grace Grace, said, “Right now, most batteries used in Queensland are imported but this database could allow Queensland manufacturers to spot a world leader in whatever they need and then make these products in our own backyard.
“Our ambition is to make Queensland the battery industry capital and ensure our communities gain jobs and economic opportunities.
“By creating strong partnerships between industry and government, Queensland is in a position to grow a sustainable battery supply chain to meet local and domestic demand.
“This could translate to more than 9,100 jobs and contribute $1.3 billion to our economy by 2032.”
Advanced Material and Battery Council’s CEO, Quentin Hill, said, “This is a wonderful initiative for the local manufacturing industry and stakeholders that supports a young battery industry.
“There has already been significant progress and substantial investment made to support battery manufacturing, including investment in battery projects across the state.”
Mr Hill said that the database is a practical tool to further enhance the ecosystem.
“It’s a necessary practical step to promote government, industry and research knowledge sharing in an emerging industry, which is critical to accelerate commercialisation and investment thereby unlocking significant social, environmental and economic benefits to Queensland.”
QUT’s Director Energy Storage Research Group, Joshua Watts, said, “Government, academia and industry working together presents a formidable opportunity to make great strides in an emerging sector such as energy storage, and Queensland already houses a strong cluster of businesses active in this space.
“This database will strengthen collaboration and unlock further opportunities for local businesses to connect and generate resilient and sustainable supply chains to provide Australia and the world with much needed battery commodities and products.”
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