Australia Minister for Industry and Science Ed Husic has launched consultations for the country’s first National Battery Strategy during a visit to Energy Renaissance, an Australian lithium-ion battery technology and manufacturing firm, at Tomago in the New South Wales Hunter Valley.
The plan will help kickstart the local battery manufacturing industry and support the decarbonisation of the national economy, hit ambitious emissions targets, and foster Australian innovation.
According to Minister Husic, domestic battery sectors will benefit from Australian know-how and domestic access to resources to support the transition to renewable energy both domestically and internationally.
“Large scale uptake and manufacture of batteries will be vital transitioning to net-zero. New battery capacity will help support grid scale capacity, power our homes, and electrify our transport sector,” Husic explained.
The massive need for energy storage to facilitate the growing use of solar power by homes, businesses, and industry were also emphasized by Minister Husic.
“Australia has globally significant deposits of essential battery materials and strong local innovation and research capabilities. By drawing on these strengths, Australia can take its place in the profitable global battery supply chain,” he noted.
Moreover, the news release also tackled a joined-up national approach to battery technology aiming to support Australia’s National Electric Vehicle Strategy.
In order to outline a clear roadmap for integrated, end-to-end onshore battery minerals supply chains, Husic noted that the new battery plan will work in conjunction with Australia’s new Critical Minerals Strategy.
“A coherent, national approach to the development and uptake of emerging technologies won’t just deliver economic growth and jobs, but also help safeguard our national wellbeing,” Minister Husic said.
As part of the new initiative, participation will help inform other elements of the Australian Made Battery Plan, such as the establishment of a Battery Manufacturing Precinct in collaboration with the Queensland Government.
This project also has the potential to translate research into local jobs and investment and support 10,000 New Energy Apprenticeships.
