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The federal government has announced $6.77 million in funding for Melbourne-based Clutch Industries to help manufacture batteries that can be used at home or taken on the road.
Melbourne-based Clutch Industries will use the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) funding to design, construct and commission a scalable manufacturing line in Coburg North, Victoria, supporting Australian capability in an emerging battery technology.
The $19.35 million project is expected to create at least 16 ongoing skilled jobs and strengthen Australia’s battery manufacturing capability.
The new facility will incorporate automated assembly, testing, quality assurance and traceable supply chains, helping to establish advanced manufacturing capability in Australia.
The project will focus on Clutch Industries’ PowerNet – a 20-kilogram portable 4kWh battery pack that can operate independently or be combined with multiple units to create a home battery system. Units can also be detached and used as portable power sources.
“We don’t want Australia to simply export the raw materials needed for the industries of the future. We want to build more things here, create more skilled jobs here and capture more of the economic opportunities created by the global energy transition,” Minister for Industry and Innovation and Minister for Science Tim Ayres said.
“Australia has a growing demand for home batteries and off-grid power solutions. This project can demonstrate how the next generation of modular battery technology can meet this requirement.
“This investment will help grow Australian manufacturing capability, support skilled jobs in Victoria and strengthen our ability to produce advanced battery technologies here in Australia.”
The project will also test the batteries’ safety and performance across different uses, helping refine the product and meet the requirements needed to bring it to a wider market.
“Batteries are critical to Australia’s energy future, and we want to see more of this technology designed, manufactured and developed here at home,” member for Wills Peter Khalil said.
“By supporting Clutch Industries to establish a scalable manufacturing line right here in Coburg North, we’re backing local industry, creating opportunities for skilled Australian workers and building our advanced manufacturing capability.
“It’s great to hear this $19.35 million project is expected to create at least 16 ongoing skilled jobs, which demonstrates how Australian innovation can translate into real economic opportunities.”
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