A Queensland manufacturing company has been awarded a $30 million grant to improve the quality of lithium-ion batteries.
Brisbane-based VSPC will use the funding to commercialise a new process for manufacturing cathode powder used in the batteries.
Federal Energy Minister Chris Bowen said VSPC would build a new demonstration facility capable of producing 250 tonnes of cathode powder each year.
Minister Bown said that would be enough to supply 12,500 household batteries or 1600 electric vehicle batteries.
“It also means a boost for local jobs, with the company able to quadruple its current number of staff,” he said.
Minister Bowen said the innovative technology would reduce waste, costs to consumers and help diversify global battery supply chains.
Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) CEO Darren Miller said the critical role batteries would play in the clean energy transition, meant any innovations to make them more effective, cheaper and cleaner should be supported.
“This project represents a potential breakthrough in cathode powder technology. If the project is successful, it could help catalyse competitive manufacturing of cathode powders,” Mr Miller said.
