The Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) is providing $4.8 million in funding to Gelion Technologies Pty Ltd to facilitate development of its unique battery technology that has the potential to deliver longer range for EVs.
The total $9.6 million project will enable Gelion to work with prospective customers and deliver its sulphur cathode battery technology in Sydney.
The project will focus on two different battery products: lithium-sulphur (Li-S) and silicon-sulphur (Si-S), which both has significant potential as high energy density batter chemistries that can benefit Australia’s EV sector.
The funding will also facilitate the construction of the battery development centre.
Federal Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen says progressing Australia’s renewable energy sector is crucial in ensuring it is prepared for the future of industry.
“Australia is emerging as a world leader in alternative battery chemistry, and we need to ensure that we’re well placed to reap the rewards,” Bowen says.
“Batteries are the building blocks of a sustainable energy future, and this project, by demonstrating the potential of alternative battery chemistries, could help us meet our net zero commitments.”
Global demand for batteries is projected to grow from 194GWh of annual demand in 2020 to 2045GWh by 2030, with electric vehicles expected to account for 87 per cent of the demand.
Minister for Industry and Science Ed Husic says investing in creating world-leading EV battery technology makes sense for Australia.
“Whether it is for storage, transport or operating at grid scale, batteries will be a fundamental part of how we live and work in the future,” Husic says.
“Batteries that outperform current models through improved energy density will be highly sought after, both locally and around the world, which is why this investment makes sense for Australians.”
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