Deakin University opens battery research and innovation hub

Deakin University has launched a $10.3 million world-class facility for advanced battery design, fabrication and testing, located in Burwood, Victoria. The University says the Battery Research and Innovation Hub will enable the delivery of next-generation solid-state lithium-ion cells, as well as alternative and upcoming technologies such as sodium batteries.

The new purpose-built facility, featuring a pilot production line to manufacture advanced battery pouch cells, was officially opened by Nina Taylor MP, on behalf of Victoria’s Minister for Training and Skills and Higher Education Gayle Tierney.

Tierney said that this investment by the Victorian Government will safeguard Victoria’s industry for the future.

“This project helps cement Victoria at the forefront of advanced battery design while creating skilled jobs for workers today and into the future,” she said.

The space also includes a dedicated research innovation laboratory for new battery design and development, prototyping, and, crucially, the much in-demand cell and systems test facility for multiple battery types and sizes.

The Battery Research and Innovation Hub will provide expanded facilities to build Victoria’s role in the global supply chain for advanced batteries, as well as meet the bespoke and specialised battery needs of industry partners.

With an increased research innovation capacity and capability in battery science and technology, the Battery Research and Innovation Hub team will work closely with local and international industry and businesses to support the production of next-generation batteries and battery components.

Deakin University Deputy Vice-Chancellor Research Professor Julie Owens said that this Hub demonstrates Deakin’s focus on supporting Victoria's green economy through energy storage innovation.

“The launch of Deakin’s world-class battery technology research innovation, translation and energy storage commercialisation hub shows Deakin’s commitment to advancing and strengthening Victoria’s future battery manufacturing capability,” she said. “This project demonstrates Deakin’s strength in working with government and industry to deliver future energy solutions now.”

The new hub will support 13 primary jobs in manufacturing initially (including battery production technicians and researchers in battery manufacturing), and an estimated 90 direct jobs will be created across the entire project lifetime.

The project includes co-funding in partnership with the Victorian Government ($5.2 million) and Deakin University ($5.1 million), as part of part of the $350 million investment in local universities through the Victorian Higher Education State Investment Fund. The fund supports universities with capital works, applied research and research infrastructure to support job creation and the state’s economic rebound from the coronavirus crisis.