Australian businesses can now apply for a share of $500 million in capital grants and production incentives to accelerate domestic battery manufacturing under a new federal government program.
Delivered by the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA), the Battery Breakthrough Initiative aims to boost the nation’s battery value chain by providing targeted funding to help manufacturers produce high-value battery products and scale operations.
ARENA said the program is designed to ensure that the benefits of Australia’s critical minerals, research expertise, and clean energy capacity are captured locally.
“By building more of the battery value chain here at home, we’re ensuring those jobs are created in Australian workshops, factories and labs in our cities, suburbs, and regions,” the agency stated.
As a key pillar of the National Battery Strategy, the initiative will prioritise support for:
- stationary energy storage technologies
- production of battery active materials using Australian energy and critical minerals
The design of the program involved extensive consultation with industry and was developed in partnership with the Department of Industry, Science and Resources.
According to the government, it has been shaped to maximise impact for the domestic sector while strengthening supply chain resilience.
The initiative forms part of the broader Future Made in Australia agenda, which is aimed at scaling home-grown industries, driving emissions reduction, and positioning Australia as a competitive player in global clean energy markets.
Minister for Industry and Innovation and Minister for Science Tim Ayres said the program would help ensure Australian businesses seized the opportunity presented by global demand for energy storage.
“Clean energy technology is powering more and more of Australia’s grid, and we must keep looking for the best and most efficient ways to store this energy,” said Ayres.
“Batteries are a critical component of the global move to reduce carbon emissions and there is a huge opportunity for Australia to be part of this global demand.
“Australia’s got the raw materials, a strong research sector and a range of companies deeply engaged on the role of batteries in the clean energy transition, and that’s why I’m so excited to back these home-grown ideas and businesses to deliver a Future Made in Australia.”
Businesses interested in the program can find further information and apply through ARENA’s website at: https://arena.gov.au/funding/battery-breakthrough-initiative.
