Australia is another step closer to building a thriving domestic battery industry and a Future Made in Australia.

Minister for Industry and Science Ed Husic has today released a consultation paper on the $523 million Battery Breakthrough Initiative.

The Battery Breakthrough Initiative is the centrepiece of the National Battery Strategy which sets out a pathway to capture the once in a generation opportunity. 

The initiative will transform Australia’s battery industry by growing our battery manufacturing capabilities and helping manufacturers move up the battery value chain in Australia.

The consultation paper was co-developed with the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) and provides an overview of the proposed program design. 

The consultation invites stakeholders to provide their feedback on program outcomes, focus areas and design features. 

Feedback received through the consultation will inform the final design of the program and ensure it maximises impact for industry.

ARENA will deliver the initiative, complementing other programs such as Hydrogen Headstart and Solar Sunshot. 

The initiative will help Australian businesses grow and compete, and complements the Industry Growth Program, the National Reconstruction Fund and the Critical Minerals Facility.

The consultation paper is available at https://arena.gov.au/funding/battery-breakthrough-initiative/ with submissions due by 10am, Monday 7 October 2024. 

For more information on how the Albanese Government is supporting the development of a diverse and competitive battery industry, go to https://www.industry.gov.au/publications/national-battery-strategy 

Quotes attributable to the Hon. Ed Husic, Minister for Industry and Science:

“The clean energy transition provides a once-in-a-generation opportunity to use our good ideas and natural resources to build new industries. 

“Countries around the world are investing in their own ability to make things and we can’t be left behind.  

“Millions of Australian homes use rooftop solar to lower their electricity bills, but only a fraction of these homes have a battery. We can do better.

“A thriving Australian battery industry will create more secure well-paid jobs and ensure we’re making the products Australians need.”