Sicona Battery Technologies founder and CEO Christiaan Jordaan (centre with Member for Cunningham Alison Byrnes) welcomed major backing from the federal government to commercially scale its trademarked component and accelerate its entry into multiple markets. Photo: Sicona.
The Illawarra is set to become a linchpin in Australia’s sovereign battery supply chain, boosting economic resilience and creating local jobs.
Wollongong-based Sicona Battery Technologies has secured a major federal grant to manufacture its next-generation battery materials directly within the Port Kembla steelworks precinct.
Sicona received the $45 million grant from the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) to build and operate its first commercial-scale silicon-carbon battery anode material production facility.
The new facility will scale production of Sicona’s SiCx component. This advanced silicon-carbon anode material outperforms standard graphite-only batteries, delivering charging speeds over 40 per cent faster, capacity increases exceeding 20 per cent. It features seamless “drop-in” compatibility with existing manufacturing lines.
This commercial scale-up will allow Sicona to produce up to 230 tonnes of the material annually, providing sufficient volume for testing and commercial sales with major global customers.
Beyond electric vehicles (EVs), these materials are being developed for high-performance markets including AI data centres, power tools, defence and robotics.
Delivered under the Australian Government’s Battery Breakthrough Initiative, the ARENA grant aims to cultivate domestic battery manufacturing capability and elevate Australia’s position in the global supply chain.
Sicona Founder and CEO Christiaan Jordaan said the funding was a major vote of confidence in the company’s transition to commercial scale.
“Battery-powered industries need higher performance at lower cost,” he said.
“ARENA’s support is a major endorsement of Sicona’s technology, our team, and Australia’s ability to build globally relevant battery materials manufacturing capability.
While EVs remain a massive opportunity, Mr Jordaan noted that some of the fastest-growing demand is coming from sectors requiring immediate, high-energy, high-power density.
“The Wollongong facility will allow us to validate our process at commercial scale, deliver SiCx to customers and accelerate our entry to multiple markets,” he said.
“It also shows Australia can do more than export unprocessed critical minerals. We can manufacture advanced materials, create skilled jobs and compete in the high-value battery supply chains that will power the global energy transition.”
As part of this expansion, Sicona has locked in an exclusive agreement with BlueScope Steel to develop the new facility within the Port Kembla steelworks.
Sicona CEO Christiaan Jordaan said validating the company’s process at commercial scale would help prove Australia could do more than export unprocessed critical minerals. Photo: Sicona.
Beyond accelerating EV adoption and supporting Australia’s net-zero targets, the Wollongong facility is expected to create up to 36 skilled manufacturing jobs in the region, fostering local training and industry partnerships.
Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen emphasised that the project diversified global supply chains and reduced reliance on offshore processing.
“Australia has the critical minerals, the skilled workforce and the know-how to make more of the technologies the clean energy transition needs right here at home,” he said.
“Global demand for batteries is growing rapidly, and this investment helps make sure Australia captures more of the value, rather than simply exporting our resources and buying the finished products back.
“This is what a Future Made in Australia looks like: Australian innovation, Australian manufacturing and good Australian jobs supporting a cleaner, cheaper and more secure energy future.”
Member for Cunningham Alison Byrnes highlighted the Illawarra’s specific role in this broader industrial shift.
“Our region has the skills, capability and drive to lead the clean energy transition and strengthen Australia’s advanced manufacturing future, with companies like Sicona, Hysata, Green Gravity, Gravitas and more, working together to put the Illawarra on the world stage,” she said.
“I’m delighted the Albanese Labor Government is backing local jobs, local innovation and the Future Made in the Illawarra.”
The funding builds on Sicona’s momentum following its licensing and strategic partnership with India-based Himadri last year, which included an $17.5 million follow-on investment.
Original Article published by Dione David on Region Illawarra.
