Consultation has opened on the federal government’s $523 million Battery Breakthrough Initiative, which will be delivered by the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA).

Central to the National Battery Strategy, ARENA will be working closely with the Department of Industry, Science and Resources (DISR).

“Energy storage technology is critical for our renewable energy future. We know that solar and wind energy can provide us the lowest cost renewable energy at scale, but we also need to be able to store it for when it is needed,” ARENA chief executive Darren Miller says.

“The Battery Breakthrough Initiative will aim to commercialise battery manufacturing technology and processes, provide clean energy opportunities for Australia’s workforce and allow Australia to leverage its expertise in energy storage.”

Announced in the 2024-25 Federal Budget in May, the Battery Breakthrough Initiative aims to fund projects that enhance the development of Australia’s battery manufacturing capability to improve supply chain resilience and provide opportunities for Australia’s economy and workforce in the renewable energy transition.

It’s proposed that the program will initially focus on the production of active materials, battery cell manufacturing and battery pack assembly. The draft Program design also proposes that funding could be provided by either production-linked payments or capital grants, depending on the needs of the Project.

Through the consultation, ARENA is seeking feedback on market readiness, and design of the program.

More information, including the consultation paper, webinar dates and submission portal can be found on the ARENA funding page. Submissions will be due by 10am on 7 October 2024.

ARENA is aiming to launch the Program by late 2024 or early 2025.