Australia ARENA News

ARENA Provides $25.3M to NewVolt for Victorian Electric Truck Fast-Charging Network

ARENA has announced up to $25.3 million in funding for NewVolt to build three open-access, fast-charging hubs for heavy and medium electric trucks in Melbourne's western, south-eastern, and northern suburbs. The project, the first phase of NewVolt's planned national network, will support between 50 and 100 electric trucks operating heavy freight across greater Melbourne. The first site is targeted to open in late 2026, with the remaining hubs delivered through 2027. The project is funded through ARENA's Driving the Nation Program.

ARENA Funds Battery Breakthrough Projects: $2.32M to PowerPlus, $2M to Firebird

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.

$11M ARENA Funding Backs First Nations Microgrids in NT

ARENA announced $11 million in funding for two First Nations-led microgrid projects in the Northern Territory: the Ngardara Project in Borroloola (co-led by Original Power and the Ngardara Cooperative) and a proposed microgrid in Ltyentye Apurte (developed with Atyenhenge-Atherre Aboriginal Corporation). Both projects aim to demonstrate solar and battery microgrids to reduce diesel reliance and improve power reliability in remote communities where the main grid does not reach. The funding is part of ARENA's Regional Microgrid Program, which includes $125 million total with $75 million allocated specifically for First Nations communities. Both projects are subject to conditions before construction can proceed.