Ministers for the Department of Industry, Science and Resources
The Albanese Government is backing homegrown advanced battery manufacturing and clean energy supply chains, with $45 million in funding for Sicona Battery Technologies.
This investment will help scale-up Australian innovation, build sovereign manufacturing capability and strengthen our position in global battery supply chains – supporting the Albanese Labor Government’s Future Made in Australia objectives.
Sicona’s project will expand production capacity for its silicon-based anodes by up to 300 times taking the technology from pilot scale towards commercial production, delivering up to 36 skilled manufacturing jobs in the Illawarra region.
Based in Port Kembla, the project will accelerate the production of next-generation battery materials and establish one of Australia’s most significant midstream battery processing capabilities.
This investment is part of the Albanese Government’s plan to make more things here, strengthen economic resilience, and create secure, well-paid jobs in regional communities.
Silicon-based anodes are an important emerging technology for electric vehicles, improving battery performance by increasing driving range and cutting charging times.
Building on Australia’s strengths in critical minerals and advanced manufacturing, this project will help Australia capture more value from the resources and technology we develop, while supporting diversified global supply chains and reduce reliance on offshore processing.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Industry and Innovation and Minister for Science Tim Ayres:
“This investment from the Albanese Labor Government backs large-scale battery material production right here in Australia with real commercial demand and long-term market potential.
“By backing projects like Sicona, we’re ensuring Australia captures more value from its resources while creating jobs, driving innovation, and strengthening economic resilience.
“This is about making sure Australian discoveries are developed, scaled and manufactured here, delivering long-term value for the next generation.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen:
“Australia has the critical minerals, the skilled workforce and the know-how to make more of the technologies the clean energy transition needs right here at home.
“Global demand for batteries is growing rapidly, and this investment helps make sure Australia captures more of the value, rather than simply exporting our resources and buying the finished products back.
“This is what a Future Made in Australia looks like: Australian innovation, Australian manufacturing and good Australian jobs supporting a cleaner, cheaper and more secure energy future.”
Quotes attributable to Member for Cunningham, Alison Byrnes MP:
“In the Illawarra, we are driving the innovation the world needs to build a clean energy future.
“Sicona Battery Technologies is pioneering the next generation of battery materials right here in Wollongong – cutting battery charging times by 40 per cent, improving performance and creating a sovereign battery supply chain.
“Improving battery technology will unlock enormous potential across Australia and globally for energy storage, electric vehicles, and so much more.
“Our region has the skills, capability and drive to lead the clean energy transition and strengthen Australia’s advanced manufacturing future, with companies like Sicona, Hysata, Green Gravity, Gravitas and more, working together to put the Illawarra on the world stage.
“I’m delighted the Albanese Labor Government is backing local jobs, local innovation and the Future Made in the Illawarra.”