Federal Government supercharges battery innovation

The Federal Government is investing $25m in Melbourne-based company Relectrify to fast-track the roll-out of its world-first battery energy storage system, the AC1.

This breakthrough battery technology has the potential to transform energy storage – supporting the transition to a more flexible, low emissions grid as, unlike conventional batteries, the AC1 can generate grid-ready AC power directly from battery cells, without the need for an inverter.

This dramatically decreases costs, reduces battery degradation and helps deliver more reliable, affordable energy as part of the Federal Government’s efforts to back Australian made innovation to increase battery efficiency.

Federal Industry and Innovation minister Tim Ayres says Australian ingenuity is driving the clean-energy industries of the future.

“By supporting companies like Relectrify, we’re building sovereign capability and helping home-grown innovation succeed on the world stage,” he said.

“The industry growth program is helping Australian businesses turn their ideas into profitable products, ensuring more things are designed and made right here in Australia.”

Throughout the AC1 battery’s lifetime, it is projected to deliver 20% more energy than standard batteries, resulting in greater investment returns for battery owners and helping to lower costs across the grid.

Relectrify will deploy up to 100MWh of AC1 systems in the commercial, industrial and small front-of-meter markets, building real-world operating experience, generating critical performance data and creating reference sites for future customers.

The project will also include a comprehensive knowledge-sharing program to spread lessons across the energy sector and support work to integrate renewables and strengthen grid stability.

Relectrify has also been awarded $2.9m in matched funding through the Federal Government’s industry growth program to significantly enhance and develop its market-proven cell-level control technology, CellSwitch, to be ready for use in heavy duty e-mobility applications such as electric trucks, buses and mining vehicles.

Federal Climate Change and Energy Minister Chris Bowen says home-grown battery innovation keeps Australia at the cutting edge of clean-energy technology and helps drive down costs for consumers.

“As demand for batteries soars, projects like Relectrify’s ensure more of that technology is designed, built and deployed right here in Australia,” he said.