Australia’s Sicona Battery Technologies is stepping up to meet the global demand for higher-performing batteries.
The company has secured A$45 million in government funding to begin manufacturing its advanced silicon-carbon battery anode material, SiCx®.
The funding from the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) under the Battery Breakthrough Initiative will support Sicona to build and operate a commercial-scale demonstration facility in New South Wales. Sicona will scale production of its SiCx® technology to up to 230 tonnes per annum.
The investment supports the Australian Government’s Future Made in Australia agenda and National Battery Strategy by strengthening domestic capability in advanced battery manufacturing and accelerating the commercialisation of Australian research and development (R&D).
Sicona is also backed by Indian conglomerate Himadri Speciality Chemical. The two companies announced a partnership agreement in 2005 that included a A$15 million investment by Himadri to support the development of SiCx® in Australia.
Powering the next generation of electric vehicles
Sicona’s SiCx® technology enhances the performance of lithium-ion batteries. The technology increases battery energy density by 20% and enables charging speeds up to 40% faster than conventional graphite-based alternatives. The material has over 4.5 times the capacity of graphite with equivalent first cycle efficiency, surface area, and tap density.
SiCx® is produced using a mechanical process that is safer, more scalable and lower cost than incumbent silane-based approaches. It is a drop-in product that requires no changes in the current battery production processes and is fully compatible with next-generation dry electrode technology.
‘Our silicon-carbon anode technology is designed to deliver faster charging, greater energy density and a scalable pathway into existing lithium-ion battery supply chains,’ says Sicona Founder and CEO Christiaan Jordaan.
Sicona says the SiCx® technology can be used in electric vehicles, drones, humanoid robotics, AI data centres, defence, power tools and other high-performance battery markets.
Sicona is building a demonstration facility to scale production of its SiCx® battery technology. Image courtesy of Sicona.
A leading destination for battery research and manufacturing
The Australian Government has a goal for Australia to become a world-leading producer of batteries and battery materials. Clean energy manufacturing is a priority industry under its Future Made in Australia agenda. There are several funding programs and initiatives to develop the industry.
Australia is an ideal location for battery research, development and manufacturing. The nation has large deposits of battery minerals, including lithium, cobalt and manganese. Australia is also a leader in battery innovation, pioneering the vanadium redox flow battery at the University of NSW. Sicona was born from research by University of Wollongong scientists. Australia’s deep trade and investment links with the world means it is a trusted partner in global battery supply chains.
‘[Sicona’s facility] also shows Australia can do more than export critical minerals,’ says Christiaan Jordaan. ‘We can manufacture advanced materials, create skilled jobs, and compete in the high-value battery supply chains that will power the global energy transition.’
Read more about opportunities in Australia’s battery industry.
How Austrade can help
The Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade) supports foreign investors to establish and expand operations in Australia. Our experts in Australia and around the world can help you through every stage of your investment journey.
We offer the latest industry insights, connections with key stakeholders and decision-makers, and virtual or physical site visits to Australia. Thousands of foreign businesses have worked with us to tap into the Australian market.
For information on investment opportunities in Australia, contact an Austrade investment specialist.
Go further, faster with Austrade
Subscribe to the Investment Update newsletter to find out about new investment opportunities, insights and investor success stories across Australia.