AU gov’t launches $523.2M battery initiative for consultation

The Australian Government, via the Australian Renewable Energy Agency, has opened public consultation for its $523.2 million Battery Breakthrough Initiative, aiming to boost the development and deployment of long-duration energy storage technologies.

The initiative is part of Australia’s broader push to accelerate its transition to renewable energy by ensuring reliable storage solutions that can handle extended periods.

Energy storage is vital to overcoming the intermittent nature of renewable energy sources like wind and solar, and this initiative will focus on technologies capable of storing energy for eight hours or more.

ARENA’s CEO Darren Miller emphasised the importance of energy storage, stating, “Energy storage is critical to Australia’s transition to renewable energy.”

The initiative seeks to address the technical and economic challenges associated with large-scale storage by encouraging innovation in energy storage solutions.

ARENA invites stakeholders from various sectors, including industry leaders, researchers, and the general public, to provide feedback on how best to shape the initiative to meet Australia’s clean energy goals.

“This consultation will help ensure that the program is designed to effectively support the development of long-duration energy storage technologies,” said Miller.

Feedback is expected to guide funding allocations and the identification of priority projects that will have the most impact on Australia’s energy landscape.

The consultation period will remain open until 3 November 2024, and interested parties are encouraged to submit their views. This initiative is a major step toward reducing Australia’s reliance on fossil fuels and achieving its renewable energy targets.