Western Australia has launched its Future Battery Industry Strategy to grow the state into a world-leading exporter of future battery minerals, materials, technologies and expertise.
Increased demand for electric vehicles and energy storage systems has created a unique opportunity for Western Australia to become a central player in the global battery value chain.
The State Government’s Future Battery Industry Ministerial Taskforce has engaged closely with government, industry, research organisations and the community to deliver this strategy that aims to unlock the State’s potential in this growing sector.
WA Premier Mark McGowan said, “The unprecedented growth of the future battery industry represents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for Western Australia.
“Our Future Battery Industry Strategy will drive the development of the Western Australian battery materials industry that will create local jobs, contribute to skills development and economic diversification, and maximise benefits to regional communities.
“This is an exciting opportunity for Western Australia to be recognised as a world-leading producer and exporter of future battery materials, technologies and expertise, with huge potential for industry growth and job creation across the battery value chain.”
One of the first initiatives of the strategy is the development and implementation of an investment attraction strategy – to further develop and strengthen relationships with investors and manufacturers in global battery and electric vehicle supply chains.
The State Government will continue to facilitate the establishment of new future battery projects in WA – assisting and supporting projects through the approvals process.
The next steps for the Government include filling current and future skill gaps, and facilitating access to infrastructure and funding for technology SMEs.
Minister for Mines and Petroleum, Bill Johnston, “The Future Battery Industry Strategy signifies the McGowan Government’s commitment to establishing a world-leading, sustainable, value-adding battery industry in our state.
“The growing global demand for battery technologies presents an opportunity for Western Australia to build on its expertise in the resources industry and move further along the value chain into downstream processing activities.
“Western Australia has all the battery minerals you need to make batteries and energy technologies, we also have a stable and robust economy with low sovereign-risk, and we’re world-leaders in research and development.”
Other measures include exploring initiatives to increase the uptake of batteries across the State and globally. These include opportunities through assembly, installation and management of energy storage systems.
Additionally, the State Government will commit $6 million if it is successful in its bid to host the Future Battery Industries Cooperative Research Centre in Perth.
Western Australia is the world’s largest producer of lithium and a leading producer of other battery metals including nickel, cobalt and rare earths.
