ARENA Funds Battery Breakthrough Projects: $2.32M to PowerPlus, $2M to Firebird
Summary
ARENA has announced the first two projects under its $500 million Battery Breakthrough Initiative, committing over $4 million to support Australian battery innovation. PowerPlus Energy receives $2.32 million to expand battery pack assembly capacity from 50 MWh to 150 MWh annually at its Victoria facility. Firebird Metals receives $2 million to develop Australia's first demonstration-scale facility in Perth processing manganese concentrate into cathode materials for batteries.
“These projects support Australian companies to progress next-generation battery materials production and advanced manufacturing of battery packs.”
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What changed
ARENA announced funding of over $4 million across two battery technology projects under the Battery Breakthrough Initiative, a $500 million program aligned with the National Battery Strategy. PowerPlus Energy will use its $2.32 million grant to triple annual battery pack production from 50 MWh to 150 MWh at its Victorian facility. Firebird Metals will use its $2 million grant to establish Australia's first demonstration-scale facility converting manganese concentrate into battery cathode materials in Perth.
The funding is informational and does not impose compliance obligations on third parties. Companies in the battery supply chain, materials processing, or renewable energy sectors may benefit from monitoring BBI's merit-based application process, which remains open until funds are exhausted. This announcement reflects Australian government investment priorities rather than regulatory mandates.
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Apr 23, 2026GovPing captured this document from the original source. If the source has since changed or been removed, this is the text as it existed at that time.
Home > News > Australian battery innovation gets boost with ARENA funding
Australian battery innovation gets boost with ARENA funding
News | 21 April 2026 Battery storage The Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) has announced the first two projects under its Battery Breakthrough Initiative with over $4 million in funding to support innovative Australian projects aiming to deliver next generation battery technologies, spanning pack assembly and advanced battery materials.
By backing innovative battery technologies, these projects will help build a competitive, resilient and sustainable battery manufacturing industry in Australia.
ARENA CEO Darren Miller said the projects demonstrate how Australian innovation can strengthen the nation’s battery supply chain.
“These projects support Australian companies to progress next-generation battery materials production and advanced manufacturing of battery packs.
“By supporting innovative battery technologies, ARENA is helping reduce costs, cut emissions and build sovereign capability to support Australia’s clean energy transition.”
Supported projects
PowerPlus Energy
$2.32 million to PowerPlus Energy to help expand and automate parts of its battery pack assembly line at its facility in Victoria. The funding will allow PowerPlus Energy to increase annual production from 50 MWh to 150 MWh and expand into new market opportunities.
Firebird Metals
$2 million to support Firebird Metals in developing Australia’s first demonstration-scale facility in Perth that processes manganese concentrate into cathode materials for batteries. The funding will allow Firebird to leverage Australia’s manganese resources to supply growing global demand for manganese-rich batteries, whilst enhancing domestic processing capacity and supply chain resilience.
About the Battery Breakthrough Initiative
The Battery Breakthrough Initiative (BBI) is a $500 million funding program delivered by the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA). The Program is a key part of the National Battery Strategy and its design has been settled in consultation with the Department of Industry, Science and Resources (DISR).
The Battery Breakthrough Initiative aims to support and grow battery manufacturing in Australia, provide clean energy opportunities for Australia’s workforce and allow Australia to leverage its expertise in energy storage.
BBI is an open, merit-based program which will remain open until funds are exhausted or otherwise terminated or extended by ARENA.
ARENA Media
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