Western Australia (WA) has launched a ‘Funding Assistance Register’ aimed at bolstering the state’s ambitions to develop a home-grown battery industry.
The initiative is designed to help firms such as mining and processing companies, manufacturers, research groups, renewable energy companies, and small businesses apply to unlock state and federal aid for future battery-related projects.
The move follows a report from Australia’s Association of Mining and Exploration Companies, which said the sector could transform the country into a global battery development hub— and grab a multi-billion-dollar slice of the “lithium value chain”.
WA’s online register, developed by the Department of Jobs, Tourism, Science and Innovation, is part of a ‘Future Battery Industry Strategy’ blueprint “to create a world-leading, sustainable, value-adding future battery industry” in the state by 2025.
WA premier Mark McGowan (pictured) said: “The unprecedented growth of the future battery industry represents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for Western Australia.”
Mines and petroleum minister Bill Johnston said the state would help “develop Western Australia as a globally recognised, leading producer and exporter of future battery materials, technologies and expertise.”
Earlier this year, it was announced that a federal- and industry-backed consortium was being established in WA to position the country as “a global leader in the manufacture and supply of batteries.” The AUD135 million (US$97m) Curtin University-led ‘Future Battery Industries Cooperative Research Centre’ includes 58 industry, government, and research partners.
