National Battery Strategy provides a welcome charge to skills and sustainability

The Australian Government’s National Battery Strategy, released today, outlines a vision for boosting domestic and export battery production, reflecting advice made by the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering (ATSE). 

As the inaugural strategy released under the Government’s Future Made in Australia Act, the initiative has the potential to turbo charge Australia’s renewable transition. 

“The National Battery Strategy is a step towards positioning Australia as a global leader in battery production by 2035,” said ATSE CEO Kylie Walker.  

“The Strategy is an opportunity to shift our focus from simply exporting minerals to adding value through advanced manufacturing capabilities.” 

The Strategy has a strong focus on knowledge and skills development, echoing recommendations in ATSE’s submission, to ensure Australia meets current and future workforce demands.  

“Meeting current skills shortages and modernising training capacity for future workforce demands is essential.  

“The inclusion of initiatives like the Powering Australia Industry Growth Centre and Building Women’s Careers Program is particularly promising.” 

The Strategy contains some research initiatives such as the new $5.6 million Australian Made Battery Precinct in Queensland, but largely leans on existing programs such as the Australian Research Council and the Universities Accord reforms. 

“While the Strategy recognises the importance of research, existing funding, particularly through the Australian Research Council, must be increased to ensure global competitiveness.” 

“Australia’s research strength in battery technologies, such as ATSE Fellow Professor Maria Skyllas-Kazacos FTSE’s work on vanadium batteries, is an incredible asset that we must take advantage of.” 

“The forthcoming independent review of research funding will be essential to take advantage of Australia’s competitive advantage in battery manufacturing and set initiatives such as this one up for success.” 

ATSE welcome the Strategy’s commitment to sustainability and circular economy practices. Embedding environmental, social and governance requirements to support a circular economy and utilise renewable energy for battery manufacturing will be critical for sustainable growth.

ENDS

Media contact: 

Alexandra Horvat, Communications Manager | alexandra.horvat@atse.org.au | 0458 892 825