Flagship FBICRC project receives $15m boost

  • Share this article

The first of its kind in the country, the facility will provide safety testing services for different battery types and sizes, as well as developing safety standards for batteries and battery energy storage systems deployed in the energy grid


PERTH, AUSTRALIA – 15 June 2022 –
The Future Battery Industries Cooperative Research Centre (FBICRC) welcomes the announcement from the Queensland Government to boost the state’s contribution to the energy storage revolution, with a $15 million investment in the National Battery Testing Centre (NBTC) in Brisbane.

The NBTC was established by the FBICRC in collaboration with QUT and industry partners in 2020. It establishes world-class facilities to conduct validation and safety testing on batteries and battery components made by Australian and global manufacturers in real world scenarios, based on Australian conditions.

Backed by 36 industry and research participants in the FBICRC — including the Queensland University of Technology (QUT), BASF and the Defence Science and Technology Organisation — the facility is the first of its kind in Australia.

CEO Shannon O’Rourke said, “This announcement reflects the FBICRC’s ongoing work to set the scene for a thriving domestic battery industry since 2019. The Queensland Government, together with QUT are taking an active role to capture this opportunity. The overwhelming support of Australian industry partners highlights the crucial role collaboration plays in industry development.

The Australian Government has committed to developing a National Battery Strategy and is championing the development of Australian made batteries. This is another step towards building a manufacturing future for the nation.”

The NBTC facility provides safety testing services for different battery types and sizes, as well as the development of safety standards for cells, batteries and battery energy storage systems deployed in the energy supply grid.

It will also enable overseas companies wanting to bring new technologies and systems into Australia to test its battery systems locally to help them meet local safety and operation standards.

Previously, manufacturers would need to send their batteries overseas for testing, resulting in delays and unnecessary cost. The NBTC brings world class capability to Australia, putting us in pole position to competitively manufacture cells and modules for domestic and global markets.

The NBTC facility is a great example of how by shifting our mindset to invest with purpose and adopt courageous and visionary policies, we can unlock a significant economic prize of $7.4bn annually and more than 34,700 jobs by 2030,” Shannon said.

Thanks for reading

  • Share this article
Future Battery