Global renewable energy storage innovator, Gelion, has commenced industrial production of its gel-based zinc bromide battery, with the launch of a manufacturing facility in Western Sydney capable of producing 2MWh of batteries annually.

Gelion’s non-lithium battery lasts for six-to-12 hours and will be critical in replacing fossil fuel-produced energy on the grid by providing new storage options for a higher percentage of renewables.

Gelion partnered with Battery Energy at their lead-acid manufacturing site in Fairfield to accelerate speed to market, with the battery designed to fit standard lead acid racks and its manufacturing line utilising 70% of existing lead-acid battery processes.

Scaling the Gelion manufacturing capacity will also require similar skills to those used in other legacy industrial processes, including coal fire power stations, meaning Gelion could absorb, retrain and grow thousands of fossil fuel-reliant or otherwise diminishing jobs in Australia’s energy transition occurs.

This marriage between established and new technology shows Australia could scale sovereign domestic manufacturing capacity extremely efficiently by leveraging existing processes and supply chains, according to Gelion.

“We are delighted to be launching production of our breakthrough battery, proving it can be produced at scale with existing lead-acid battery manufacturing processes,” Gelion chief executive Hannah McCaughey says.

“Our game-changing technology will now be deployed to Acciona to support its development of renewable battery systems. This milestone is a significant step forward in Gelion’s growth strategy and also strengthens our position in the rapidly expanding energy storage market.”

The new Western Sydney facility officially launched on 30 September 2022 at a ceremony attended by Chris Bowen, Federal Minister for Climate Change and Energy, and Ed Husic, Federal Minister for Industry and Science. Minister Husic will play a key role in implementing Australia’s first National Battery Strategy.

“This is a great day for Gelion, starting the first industrial production line for their new Endure Battery, right here in Fairfield, the industrial heartland of Sydney,” Chris Bowen said at the event.

“This is what Australian innovation is all about; cutting-edge technology and new manufacturing opportunities, which means more well-paying local jobs and upskilling in the workforce.”