AnteoTech Ltd, an Australian technology company, has been awarded nearly $4 million in funding from the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) to commercialise its innovative lithium-ion battery anode technology.

The grant will support AnteoTech’s $11.1 million ‘Silicon Anode Technology for Lithium-Ion Batteries’ project, set to run over three years.

AnteoTech’s proprietary silicon anode formulation aims to overcome the challenges that have hindered the commercialisation of silicon anodes in lithium-ion batteries.

While silicon anodes offer much higher energy density compared to traditional graphite anodes, they have been plagued by cell degradation issues.

The company’s innovative binder technology, Anteo X, addresses this problem by reducing degradation rates and maintaining structural stability within the anode during cycling.

This breakthrough could lead to batteries with higher energy density and lower costs, potentially revolutionising energy storage for various applications, including electric vehicles (EVs) and stationary storage.

The three-year project will involve installing a roll-to-roll coating line at AnteoTech’s existing site in Brisbane.

This upgrade will allow the company to scale up its current coin cell anode prototypes to pouch cell size, enabling more extensive testing by both AnteoTech and prospective customers.

AnteoTech CEO David Radford expressed excitement about the opportunities ahead, stating: “We look forward to contributing to Australia’s growing battery landscape by delivering battery solutions that will support our net zero energy transition.”

ARENA CEO Darren Miller emphasised the significance of this investment in homegrown battery technology, highlighting its potential to transform energy storage on a global scale.

“As we push towards our net zero ambitions, we need to ensure we have enough energy storage so that we can use renewable energy when we need it at any time of the day,” Miller said.

The funding aligns with ARENA’s goal of fostering innovation in storage technologies to support Australia’s renewable energy transition.

Miller expressed hope that AnteoTech’s technology could be quickly integrated into existing manufacturing processes, bringing benefits to customers in a timely manner.

This grant is part of ARENA’s broader efforts to enhance Australia’s battery manufacturing capabilities.

The agency is also set to deliver the Australian government’s $523 million Battery Breakthrough Initiative, aimed at improving supply chain resilience and creating opportunities for Australia’s economy and workforce in the renewable energy sector.

AnteoTech expects to commence technical work on the project in November, with the design and construction of the Brisbane site scheduled for early 2025.

The entire ARENA-funded project is slated for completion in late 2027, potentially marking a significant milestone in Australia’s contribution to global battery technology advancements.

As the world increasingly shifts towards renewable energy and electric transportation, AnteoTech’s silicon anode technology could play a crucial role in developing more efficient and cost-effective energy storage solutions, further accelerating the transition to a sustainable energy future.