Three Western Australian businesses have secured funding for five projects aimed at expanding the State’s battery manufacturing capability under the first round of the $50 million Local Battery Manufacturing Program.
In a news release, the government said Magellan Powertronics Pty Ltd, Adarsh Investments Pty Ltd and ProtoLab Manufacturing Pty Ltd received support for projects covering battery technologies and components for residential, commercial, industrial and defence applications.
The projects, valued at a combined $3.4 million, include $1.7 million in funding through the program. According to the government, the funding will support prototype development and testing, the purchase of advanced equipment and expanded production capacity.
The applications include residential energy storage batteries, community batteries, inverters and locally manufactured battery components. The government said the projects could also improve local capability to produce components currently sourced from interstate or overseas.
Energy and Decarbonisation and Manufacturing Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson said the program was intended to build local capability and retain more value within the State.
“These projects will support the development of innovative battery technologies, increase production capacity, and help businesses manufacture components that would otherwise be sourced from interstate or overseas,” Sanderson said.
The Local Battery Manufacturing Program was announced as part of the Cook Labor Government’s Made in WA Plan and includes up to $30 million in grants and $20 million in low-interest loans.
State Development Minister David Michael said the funding was aimed at supporting local industry growth and supply chain development.
“By supporting WA businesses to expand their manufacturing capability, we’re helping to keep more value here in our State while building stronger and more resilient local supply chains,” Michael said.
The program is expected to reopen for applications shortly, the WA Government said.
