Capral Aluminium and SunDrive Solar have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on building a resilient, sustainable supply chain for Australia’s solar industry.
The partnership aims to bolster local solar module production while reducing environmental impacts, positioning the country as a leader in renewable energy innovation, Capral said in a LinkedIn post.
Founded in 1936, Capral Aluminium is Australia’s largest manufacturer and distributor of aluminium products, with a strong presence in the construction, automotive, and renewable energy sectors.
SunDrive Solar, established in 2015, is an emerging force in solar technology, known for its groundbreaking advancements in solar cell efficiency and sustainability.
A key goal of this collaboration is to reduce Australia’s reliance on international suppliers by establishing a robust domestic supply chain.
By sourcing aluminium from Capral, SunDrive aims to ensure stable, reliable production while mitigating risks associated with global supply chain disruptions.
“Our commitment to exploring and fostering a strong, local supply chain is at the core of our vision for the future of solar manufacturing in Australia,” said Natalie Malligan, CEO of SunDrive.
“The opportunity to source local and low-carbon aluminium through Capral has the potential to not only support Australian jobs and businesses but also create a unique Australian product that enhances the resilience and sustainability of our production process.”
According to Capral, its LocAL low-carbon aluminium, launched in 2022, is central to the partnership.
The material is manufactured with a minimum of 20 per cent recycled content, aligning with both companies’ sustainability objectives.
Mark Murray, Sales and Market Manager – Industrial Solutions at Capral, highlighted the company’s enthusiasm for the partnership.
“We’re excited about the future with SunDrive. We truly believe in supporting their ambitions for domestic manufacturing and supply chains,” he said.
“We’re committed to exploring advanced manufacturing and automation solutions to meet the growing demands for SunDrive’s modules, ensuring we remain competitive in the global market,” concluded.
Both companies are prioritizing research and development (R&D) to improve the performance and durability of aluminium products for solar applications.
Their shared focus on innovation is expected to deliver advanced solutions that enhance solar module efficiency, addressing the evolving needs of the renewable energy sector.
The partnership also aims to boost Australia’s economy by creating well-paid, secure jobs.
For every manufacturing job, an additional three-and-a-half jobs are supported in the supply chain, underscoring the potential for broader economic benefits.
The collaboration’s success hinges on SunDrive securing funding through ARENA’s Solar Sunshot program.
The program is critical for advancing this initiative and achieving cost-competitive solar production in Australia.
Capral stated that sustained policy support and investment in local manufacturing capabilities will be essential for ensuring long-term global competitiveness.
