Battery Day heralds the dawn of a new manufacturing era

The Advanced Materials and Battery Council (AMBC) says the country is sitting on a battery manufacturing bonanza as the world hurtles towards the 2050 net zero carbon emissions target. The AMBC is holding the second Australian Battery Day at Queensland University tomorrow. (Tue 26 Sept) Elon Musk and Tesla put lithium-ion batteries on the map in terms of electrification of passenger transport, said AMBC Director Dr Lynette Molyneaux. There were myriad other opportunities, Dr Molyneaux said. Dr Lynette Molyneaux - Director Advanced Materials and Battery Council “So lithium-ion batteries really have become the first evolution of what is possible in terms of batteries for transportation, however, there are more and each of those battery chemistries will offer different benefits. “We have opportunities for lithium-sulphur batteries, we have potential for aluminium-ion batteries, we have sodium-ion batteries. “There are a number of other options, all have benefits and disadvantages and we'll apply to different applications.” Australian companies with the help of government needed to mark their ground in the battery manufacturing market said Dr Molyneaux. “It is very important for Australia to actually also concentrate on those potential chemistries that may be the next generation or the next one and a half generations forward,” she said. “Australia can participate up to a certain stage in the battery supply chain, but probably less able to compete at that cell manufacturing stage close to where you would expect the manufacturing to be for vehicle manufacturers. “But we can certainly participate all the way up to the cathode and anode active materials which become a lithium-ion battery. “On the other hand, we have other opportunities to develop, which may be maybe a few years behind what lithium-ion battery is kept for today. There was emerging opportunity in Australia in developing flow batteries said Dr Molyneaux. CEO Vaulta Dominic Spooner “The flow batteries tend to be heavier and therefore really good for securing renewable energy in large forms across a electricity system. “All of these have a huge market to play in. It's important to recognize that the opportunity is not just lithium or even lithium-ion batteries. “There are many opportunities out there. We need to consider higher density, lower weight metals for air transportation. We need heavy density for train electrification. “So, there are a whole bunch of other areas where there are different opportunities and different chemistries which will be better suited to them.” The AMBC has 17 members all contributing to battery manufacturing including Alpha HPA developing the production of ultra-high purity aluminium products; cobalt, nickel and scandium miner Australian Mines and the recyclable battery case manufacturer Vaulta.

Battery Day heralds the dawn of a new manufacturing era

Industry Queensland

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