Australia is powering ahead in the race to improve energy storage by backing silicon anode technology for lithium-ion batteries. The Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) has committed nearly $4 million to support the commercialisation of AnteoTech Ltd’s innovative battery solution. The Brisbane-based company will use the funding to advance its technology.
This $11.1 million project aims to bring the silicon anode technology to market over the next three years. It could lower battery costs, improve energy storage capacity, and extend the driving range of electric vehicles (EVs),
Breaking New Ground in Battery Technology
ARENA CEO Darren Miller said this project is a big step for Australian technology that could make a global impact.
“As we push towards our net zero ambitions, we need to ensure we have enough energy storage so that we can use renewable energy when we need it at any time of the day, whether that be for industry, homes or the growing switch to electric vehicles,” he said.
“Innovation in storage technologies is going to help us achieve this, and AnteoTech’s technology could create batteries higher in density, while utilising cheap abundant materials that could bring costs down.”
“We’re hopeful this technology has the potential to be quickly integrated in existing manufacturing processes so that the benefits can be accessed by customers in a timely manner,” Mr Miller added.
Most lithium-ion batteries today use graphite anodes. Silicon anodes, while offering significantly higher energy density, have faced challenges such as cell degradation, limiting their use. AnteoTech’s proprietary binder technology, “Anteo X™,” addresses these issues by maintaining the structural stability of the silicon anode during cycling.
Creating Jobs and Boosting Australia’s Economy
The project has received strong support from government officials who recognise its potential to strengthen Australia’s battery industry.
Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen highlighted the broader benefits of this technology.
“We’re investing in home-grown technology that has the potential to drive down the cost of batteries and make them more efficient. If the project is successful, it would help extend the range of electric cars and reduce the costs and size of home batteries,” he said.
Meanwhile, Mnister for Industry and Science Ed Husic highlighted the economic benefits of this project.
“With the global demand for batteries set to grow sixfold by 2030, Australia must be a player in this field,” he said.
“We’ve got a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for Australia to scale-up battery manufacture in Australia and take advantage of the global transition to net zero,” Mr Husic added.
Growing Silicon Anode Technology
ARENA’s funding will help AnteoTech take its technology to the next level. This includes adding new equipment at its Brisbane site for coating electrodes and testing pouch cells. These upgrades will enable AnteoTech to conduct more testing. They will also allow the company to provide prototype anodes to potential customers as part of the project.
AnteoTech CEO David Radford shared his appreciation for the funding, saying: “We are incredibly grateful of the support provided by ARENA who has an extensive track record of funding successful technologies. We are excited by the opportunities that are ahead of us and look forward to contributing to Australia’s growing battery landscape by delivering battery solutions that will support our net zero energy transition.”
AnteoTech will begin the technical work in November. The team will start the design and construction of the Brisbane facility in early 2025. They expect to complete the project by late 2027.
This initiative is part of ARENA’s $523 million Battery Breakthrough Initiative. The program aims to boost Australia’s battery manufacturing capabilities. It also seeks to create new job opportunities in the renewable energy industry.
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