The Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) has announced the first two projects under its Battery Breakthrough Initiative with over $4 million in funding to support innovative Australian projects aiming to deliver next generation battery technologies.
ARENA will give $2.23 million to PowerPlus Energy to help expand and automate parts of its battery pack assembly line at its facility in Victoria. The funding will allow PowerPlus Energy to increase annual production from 50MWh to 150MWh and expand into new market opportunities.
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Firebird Metals will score $2 million to developing Australia’s first demonstration-scale facility in Perth that processes manganese concentrate into cathode materials for batteries. The funding will allow Firebird to leverage Australia’s manganese resources to supply growing global demand for manganese-rich batteries, whilst enhancing domestic processing capacity and supply chain resilience.
ARENA CEO Darren Miller said the projects demonstrate how Australian innovation can strengthen the nation’s battery supply chain.
“These projects support Australian companies to progress next-generation battery materials production and advanced manufacturing of battery packs,” he said.
“By supporting innovative battery technologies, ARENA is helping reduce costs, cut emissions and build sovereign capability to support Australia’s clean energy transition.”
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The Battery Breakthrough Initiative (BBI) is a $500 million funding program delivered by the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA). The program is a key part of the National Battery Strategy, and aims to support and grow battery manufacturing in Australia, provide clean energy opportunities for Australia’s workforce and allow Australia to leverage its expertise in energy storage.
