Altech Batteries has announced a milestone in its Silumina Anodes technology, achieving an average 55 per cent increase in lithium battery anode energy capacity, building on its previous 30 per cent improvement.

Utilising innovative proprietary technology, Altech has blended alumina-coated silicon particles (10 per cent) with battery-grade graphite to create a composite graphite/silicon anode, the company said in an ASX announcement.  

“We are thrilled with the significant progress we have made in overcoming the critical challenges associated with using silicon in lithium-ion battery anodes,” stated CEO and Managing Director Iggy Tan. 

In a series of tests, Altech’s lithium-ion battery anode material demonstrated an average energy retention capacity of approximately 500 mAh/g, surpassing the typical average of 320 mAh/g for standard lithium-ion battery anodes. 

Altech previously reported advancements in battery technology, highlighting the development of lithium-ion battery anode materials with a retention capacity approximately 30 per cent higher than standard materials. 

Following this progress, Altech’s research and development laboratory in Perth, Western Australia, has been working to enhance the technology even further.

Laboratory tests of the composite graphite/silicon batteries revealed that Altech effectively tackled previously unresolved issues associated with silicon in lithium-ion battery anodes.

Notable challenges included silicon particle swelling, first-cycle capacity loss of up to 50 per cent, and rapid battery degradation. 

Through the spherification of silicon particles, Altech found that the spherical structure allows for better distribution within graphite voids, minimizing damage to the electrode layer due to expansion.

Historically, the use of silicon in commercial lithium-ion batteries has been limited due to two critical drawbacks: the expansion of silicon particles during charging and the deactivation of a significant percentage of lithium ions, which diminishes battery performance and lifespan, the company noted. 

Altech has completed a Definitive Feasibility Study for constructing an 8,000 tpa Silumina Anodes plant in Saxony, Germany, projecting strong economic returns with a pre-tax NPV10 of €684 million and a low capital cost of €112 million.

“Our breakthrough technology represents a major step forward in unlocking the full potential of silicon in lithium-ion batteries, and we believe it has the potential to revolutionise the battery industry,” Tan stated.  

“We are currently commissioning a pilot plant to further scale up our technology and bring it to market,” he concluded.

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AnteoTech has received its first commercial order for its Ultranode battery anode technology, valued at AUD 40,000, from leading European electric vehicle manufacturer EV1 as part of its battery optimisation program.

David Radford, managing director and CEO of AnteoTech, expressed excitement over the commercial breakthrough.

“We are pleased to expand our relationship with EV1 and support not only their current battery optimisation programme using Anteo X, but their future battery vision of increased silicon content anodes,” Radford said. 

The Ultranode anode technology, which contains 70 per cent silicon, is an upgrade from EV1’s current anode material that contains 10 per cent silicon. 

The increased silicon content aims to boost energy density and performance, aligning with the growing demand for longer-lasting EV batteries.

Radford highlighted the importance of the first order: “This new commercial sale and evaluation will deepen our potential future engagement with this leading EV manufacturer. The higher silicon content will allow us to demonstrate the transformative power of Ultranode in the next few months.”

The order kicks off a testing and evaluation phase, where EV1 will assess the anode’s capabilities alongside its existing battery optimisation efforts using Anteo X. 

The goal is to explore how the Ultranode can enhance battery performance and align with EV1’s future plans for adopting higher silicon battery anodes.

AnteoTech’s Ultranode technology replaces traditional graphite anodes with a more sustainable, high-performance design using low-cost silicon as the active material. 

The company said it believes this approach provides a more efficient solution for lithium-ion batteries, which are essential to the clean energy transition.

This development marks a key step for AnteoTech as it progresses from research to revenue-generating commercial engagements in the clean energy market. 

EV1’s evaluation of Ultranode is expected to unfold over the next several months, potentially paving the way for deeper collaboration.

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The Port of Newcastle’s Clean Energy Precinct (CEP) has taken a step forward, signing agreements for Front End Engineering Designs (FEED) and Environmental Impact Statements (EIS). 

The agreements, which cover electrical infrastructure, water services, general infrastructure, storage, berth facilities, and pipelines, represent a key milestone in the port’s shift toward clean energy, as revealed in a news release. 

This progress is backed by a $100 million grant from the Commonwealth Government to prepare the precinct for hydrogen readiness. 

Craig Carmody, CEO of the Port of Newcastle, and Federal Member for Newcastle, Sharon Claydon MP, attended the announcement on site.

“[This] is a significant step forward for the Hunter Region,” said Carmody. 

“The Clean Energy Precinct is central to the Port of Newcastle’s diversification strategy to create the port that our community, our region, and our state needs for the future.” 

“This phase will determine the infrastructure and services critical to the progression of the precinct’s development and push us further towards hydrogen readiness,” Carmody noted. 

The CEP, once fully developed, is projected to contribute $4.2 billion to the regional economy and generate 5,800 jobs in the Hunter Region by 2040. 

It also aligns with the NSW Government’s objectives to accelerate decarbonisation and clean energy production through the Electricity Infrastructure Roadmap.

Carmody thanked government partners for their backing. “I thank the Commonwealth and NSW Governments for their support, buoyed by our industry partnerships, which have positioned the Port and our entire region as leaders in the future of clean energy production,” he said.

The FEED and EIS studies will be undertaken by Lumea (electrical), CoNEXA (water), and GHD (general infrastructure). 

Their findings will guide future site planning and environmental approvals. The precinct aims to enable clean energy production, storage, and export, including green hydrogen and green ammonia.

Federal Member for Newcastle, Sharon Claydon, highlighted the project’s economic and environmental significance. 

“The Clean Energy Precinct is a major economic boost for our region. Newcastle and the Hunter have powered Australia for generations. This project ensures we will continue to do so, leading the transition to Net Zero. Establishing the port as a hydrogen exporter will protect and create good local jobs into the future,” Claydon said.

NSW Minister for the Hunter, Yasmin Catley, echoed this sentiment. “The Hunter has powered our state for decades, and we’re ensuring it continues to do so for many years to come.” 

“Our energy market is transforming, and this project will support nearly 6,000 local jobs and inject billions into the regional economy,” Minister Catley said.

State Member for Newcastle, Tim Crakanthorp, emphasised the importance of diversification. 

“I’ve been working closely with the Port of Newcastle over the last ten years to support them in their diversification away from coal. With Newcastle’s existing infrastructure and skilled workforce, there is no better place in NSW for this precinct,” he noted.  

Industry partners also expressed enthusiasm for the project. Lumea’s Executive General Manager, Craig Stallan, said,“We are really excited to be working with the Port of Newcastle on this project and we congratulate them on adopting a hugely progressive approach to electrification of the port.” 

“It provides a benchmark for other industrial customers across Australia who are seeking to move towards an electrified future.” 

 Kurt Dahl, CEO of CoNEXA, added, “As the water services provider for the CEP, we are positioned to integrate water solutions that minimise consumption and maximise recycling. This aligns perfectly with the CEP’s vision and supports the region’s clean energy transition.”

For more information, visit portofnewcastle.com.au/landside/major-projects/clean-energy-precinct.

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Australian manufacturers are facing a perfect storm of energy challenges, with most regions in the country experiencing a surge in power prices in the second quarter of 2024. This price volatility comes at a critical time when the global manufacturing landscape is increasingly prioritising sustainability and energy efficiency as key factors in competitiveness.

With customers, investors and regulators all demanding greener products and processes, manufacturers in the country are responding by optimising energy management and accelerating their transition to sustainable operations. Unsurprisingly, emerging as a key technology in this pursuit is artificial intelligence.

In an exclusive interview with Australian Manufacturing, Lisa Balk, Director of Sales at GridBeyond Australia, highlighted the key challenges where artificial intelligence can make a substantial impact in terms of energy transition.

Addressing energy costs

According to Balk, AI is already proving to be a powerful tool to combat rising energy costs, offering manufacturers a way to optimise their energy consumption and maintain profitability.

AI algorithms have advanced significantly over the years, making the technology capable of predicting energy demand patterns and market prices, and even detecting weather conditions that might affect energy generation. Armed with this information, AI systems can automatically adjust production schedules to take advantage of off-peak hours when energy costs are lower.

“These forecasts allow companies to align their energy usage with the availability of renewable sources, such as solar or wind power, ensuring that as much energy as possible comes from clean, renewable sources. This alignment not only reduces reliance on fossil fuels but also helps manufacturers reduce their overall carbon footprint,” Balk explains.

Renewable energy integration

While Australia boasts vast renewable energy resources, particularly in solar and wind power, integrating these sources into existing manufacturing operations presents significant challenges. This is where AI is proving to be a game-changer.

“AI can ease this process by automating and optimising the integration of renewable energy into daily operations. For instance, AI can predict periods of peak renewable generation (such as sunny days for solar energy) and adjust production schedules accordingly to maximise the use of renewable power,” the GridBeyond representative says.

Another significant advantage of AI in renewable energy integration is its ability to facilitate participation in energy markets.

“AI can even facilitate peer-to-peer energy trading, where manufacturers with excess renewable energy can sell it to other businesses or back to the grid, turning energy management into an additional revenue stream,” Balk adds.

Navigating regulatory complexity

The manufacturing sector is also facing an increasingly complex regulatory landscape, particularly in the realm of energy management and sustainability. Navigating the ever-changing regulations on emissions reductions, carbon pricing and sustainability targets can be particularly daunting for smaller manufacturers with limited resources. Fortunately, AI is emerging as a powerful ally in navigating these complexities.

“These systems track energy consumption, emissions, and other key metrics in real-time, providing manufacturers with detailed reports that can be used to meet regulatory requirements and avoid penalties,” Balk says.

“By providing these advanced capabilities, AI enables manufacturers to not only integrate renewable energy into their operations but also to maximise the effectiveness of these clean energy sources, helping them achieve ambitious net-zero emissions targets while maintaining operational efficiency.”

AI in energy management: A new frontier for manufacturers

The integration of artificial intelligence in energy management represents a transformative opportunity for Australia’s manufacturing sector, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The journey towards AI-powered manufacturing may be complex, but for Australian SMEs, it represents a path to enhanced efficiency, reduced costs, and improved competitiveness.

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Australia could create over 4,300 quality direct jobs by manufacturing its own wind towers instead of relying on imports, according to new research from the Centre for Future Work. 

The report outlines the economic and environmental benefits of developing a domestic wind energy sector, which currently imports all wind towers from overseas, with most coming from China.

The research found that if Australia shifted to local manufacturing, the country could generate:

• 4,350 ongoing jobs in wind tower production, with additional employment opportunities in related industries, especially steel.
• The ability to produce over 800 wind towers per year, contributing to a cumulative value of up to $15 billion over the next 17 years.
• An incremental demand for 700,000 tonnes of Australian-made steel annually, supporting the revitalisation of steel plants through the adoption of carbon-free technologies.
• A reduction of 2.6 million tonnes of CO2 emissions by cutting down on sea shipping of imported wind towers.

The report positions wind energy manufacturing as a key opportunity for the federal government’s Future Made in Australia manufacturing strategy.

It calls on the government, alongside state counterparts, to commission an engineering and financial study into establishing a domestic wind tower manufacturing industry on the east coast.

Professor Phil Toner, Honorary Senior Research Fellow at the University of Sydney and the report’s author, criticised the conventional economic wisdom that suggests Australia should stick to its “comparative advantage” of exporting raw materials.

“If we follow the advice of conventional economists, we will lock Australia into once again being just a supplier of raw resources to other, more technologically sophisticated countries,” Toner said. 

“These countries will purchase Australian resources at the going global rate, transform them into innovative and expensive products, and then sell them back to us at premium prices.”

Toner stressed that manufacturing wind power equipment in Australia would help achieve a more balanced industrial structure. 

“With all the opportunities of a net-zero global economy, do we really just want to replace traditional mineral exports like coal with new generations of unprocessed minerals like lithium and rare earths?” he asked. 

“Manufacturing our own wind power equipment represents an enormous opportunity for Australia to create good quality, well-paid jobs.”

Toner also pointed out that most industrialised nations are heavily investing in the production of equipment needed for the energy transition.

“Australia needs similar policy activism to maximise the industrial, technological, and employment potential of the energy transition,” he said.

Environmental concerns were another key point raised by Toner. “Anyone concerned about the climate should be up in arms at the fact we’re importing huge heavy steel towers from China when we could be producing them here,” he stated.

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The Australian Government has greenlit the construction of a 450-megawatt solar farm in the Upper Hunter, set to generate enough electricity to power 191,000 homes. 

The Goulburn River Solar Farm, located 28km southwest of Merriwa, will include the installation of one million solar panels, a battery storage system, and upgrades to local roads, as stated in a media release.

The project is strategically situated between the Central-West Orana Renewable Energy Zone (REZ) and the Hunter-Central Coast REZ, providing direct access to the existing electricity transmission network. 

“Labor is getting on with the job of transforming Australia into a renewable energy superpower while Peter Dutton’s risky nuclear scheme threatens investment in renewables,” said Environment and Water Minister Tanya Plibersek.

The Goulburn River Solar Farm will not only provide clean energy but also play a role in reducing Australia’s carbon footprint. 

The project is expected to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 733,000 tonnes annually, the equivalent of taking 220,000 cars off the road for a year.

“Australians face a choice between a renewable energy transition that is already underway and putting downward pressure on energy prices, or footing the bill for an expensive nuclear fantasy that may never happen,” Plibersek added.

The approval of this solar farm is part of a broader push by the government to reach its net zero emissions target by 2050.

“That’s enough energy to power every home in New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, the Northern Territory and Tasmania,” said Plibersek.

In addition to environmental benefits, the Goulburn River Solar Farm is also expected to have a positive impact on the local economy, creating up to 350 construction jobs and 10 full-time roles during its operational phase.

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Engineers Australia, through its training arm Engineering Education Australia (EEA) and in collaboration with Deakin University, announced the launch of a new suite of hydrogen energy micro-credentials aimed at addressing the critical skills shortage in the hydrogen and engineering sectors. 

This initiative supports Australia’s transition to net-zero emissions and builds the workforce needed to drive the country’s clean energy future.

Funded by the Australian Government’s Local Jobs Program, the training initiative will offer four micro-credentials and a webinar designed to equip engineers with specialised knowledge in hydrogen technology:

• Handling Hydrogen for Engineers
• Hydrogen Fuel Cell Operation, Safety and Maintenance
• Hydrogen Electrolysers
• Hydrogen in the Built Environment
• Hydrogen and Social Responsibility for Engineers (Webinar)

According to the organisation, this new educational suite seeks to fill knowledge gaps among professionals in key sectors such as energy, transport, planning, water, and government, providing them with the tools to safely and effectively contribute to the burgeoning hydrogen economy.

Joel Evans, head of EEA, highlighted the urgent need for upskilling to meet Australia’s net-zero goals: “Research shows a severe talent shortage in hydrogen engineering is impacting our path to net zero.” 

“These micro-credentials can bridge that gap by equipping engineers with the skills they need. Partnering with Deakin University allows us to offer practical, industry-focused education to support the profession’s leading role in Australia’s shift to clean energy.”

The project began in 2022 when researchers from Deakin University’s Hycel, a hydrogen technology hub, and the School of Engineering conducted a thorough review of industry needs. 

The study identified a growing demand for hydrogen engineering curricula, with input from real-world hydrogen practitioners shaping the program’s design.

Professor Tiffany Walsh, Director of Hycel at Deakin University, emphasised the importance of the collaboration: “Deakin is delighted to partner with EEA to upskill engineers for the growing domestic hydrogen economy.”

“This builds on Deakin’s track record in hydrogen education, from schools to vocational training, and now extends to engineers who will confidently design, plan, build, and operate hydrogen systems,” the professor added. 

The program is slated for completion by 30 June 2025.

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Altech Batteries has achieved a key milestone with the successful launch of its CERENERGY ABS60 prototype, a 60kWh battery installed at the Fraunhofer IKTS lab in Dresden, Germany, which, according to the company, is already surpassing initial performance expectations.

The prototype has passed all physical tests, showing remarkable efficiency and stability during daily charging and discharging cycles, Altech said in a media release.  

Integrated into a specially designed battery test station, the unit is undergoing continuous evaluation under real-world conditions. 

The testing aims to assess the battery’s overall performance, providing vital data to support future commercial applications.

Iggy Tan, CEO and Managing Director of Altech, expressed confidence in the breakthrough, stating, “We are extremely pleased that the first CERENERGY® 60kWh battery prototype is now up and running, operating better than expected.” 

He continued, “This reconfirms our confidence in the sodium-chloride solid-state battery technology developed by the world-leading Fraunhofer Institute in Germany.”

Tan emphasised the advantages of CERENERGY® technology, which eliminates the need for lithium, copper, cobalt, graphite, and manganese. 

The sodium-chloride batteries offer a lifespan of 15 years, nearly double that of conventional lithium-ion batteries, and can operate across a wide range of temperatures.

The company further reported that the prototype will continue testing and refinement, delivering critical data for potential off-take agreements as Altech moves closer to constructing a 120MWh production plant. 

With a Letter of Intent for 30MWh of offtake from Schwarze Pumpe Industrial Park already in place, Tan believes the prototype’s success will further support commercial partnerships.

Altech’s joint venture partner, Fraunhofer, also conducted extensive individual cell testing at their Hermsdorf facility. 

A total of 497 battery cells were produced and tested at 300°C. Over 500 cycles, the cells maintained a consistent discharge capacity of 80Ah with an efficiency rate of up to 91 per cent, showing no signs of degradation. 

For further information, visit Altech’s website.

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The Advanced Manufacturing Growth Centre (AMGC) announced the appointment of Matthew Cronin as State Director for Western Australia.

In this new role, Cronin will oversee the implementation of an $8 million collaborative program aimed at enhancing the participation of advanced manufacturing in the state’s burgeoning wind energy sector.

The appointment follows a cooperative agreement between the Western Australian Government and AMGC, signed in May, to co-design and deliver funding that will improve the capacity and capability of local manufacturers to engage in wind energy supply chains.

Cronin brings over 20 years of experience from both the public and private sectors, with a focus on critical infrastructure, utilities, energy transition, and resources. 

He succeeds Angela Doyle, who served as Interim State Director and played a crucial role in establishing the program and managing AMGC’s co-funded Federal Program in WA from 2018 to 2022.

“Throughout my career I often reflect on my North Star and finding the union of value, purpose, competency and reward. This role aligns perfectly,” said Cronin. 

He expressed his enthusiasm for working with local manufacturers to stimulate industry participation and create opportunities, particularly for Aboriginal communities.

The $8 million program is part of the Western Australian Government’s Wind Turbine Manufacturing Initiative, designed in response to recommendations from an independent feasibility study by Aurecon, which identified wind energy manufacturing and servicing opportunities.

Dr Jens Goennemann, managing director of AMGC, stated, “AMGC is excited to build on our record of supporting the best manufacturers across Australia, leading to new economic opportunities and jobs while enhancing the nation’s industrial complexity.” 

He added that they are eager to have Cronin lead their efforts in Western Australia and look forward to supporting the state’s industrial base in capitalising on opportunities within the wind energy sector.

According to the Aurecon report, Western Australia possesses existing engineering capabilities and transferrable skills from other industries that can support wind turbine componentry.

Opportunities include contracting with Original Equipment Manufacturers, as well as providing maintenance, construction, and end-of-life services.

Manufacturers in Western Australia or those looking to establish a manufacturing base in the state can express their interest in participating in wind energy supply chains by visiting AMGC’s website. 

Once registered, manufacturers will receive updates on events and potential funding opportunities.

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ClearVue Technologies has secured its first order for a solar building envelope solution, with plans to install solar cladding on Perth’s iconic Enex100 building, marking a key milestone for the company ahead of the project’s expected completion in mid-2025.

This initial order signals the market’s growing recognition of ClearVue’s energy-efficient building solutions, particularly as building owners and developers seek to reduce operational carbon emissions and energy costs, ClearVue said in a news release. 

“This is a pivotal moment for ClearVue,” said Martin Deil, Global CEO of ClearVue Technologies. 

“This sale of our solar envelope solution confirms our commercial strategy and shows the value the market is starting to place on energy-efficient smart building solutions.” 

Deil continued, “In Australia, the building sector is responsible for around 19% of total electricity usage and 18% of direct carbon emissions. Our technology can be deployed in both retrofit and new construction projects to lower emissions and costs.”

The Enex100 project involves over 200 architectural black PV building envelope modules, part of ClearVue’s comprehensive solar façade product suite. 

The company’s proprietary framing system, which ensures easy installation and maintenance, was a key factor in the selection.

“Our products were chosen due to their energy generation capabilities, high reliability, low combustibility, and compliance with building standards,” added Deil. 

“The seamless pure black glass feature wall not only performs but also enhances the building’s aesthetic.”

Garry Hendrix, senior engineer at ISPT, the property owner of Enex100, emphasised the importance of sustainability in their decision-making process.

“For ISPT, it is crucial to enhance the sustainability and thereby the value of our property portfolio while meeting our tenants’ and stakeholders’ broader ESG expectations,” said Hendrix. 

“ISPT reviewed several competitive solutions but were attracted to ClearVue products due to the innovative design that delivers the key deployment requirements of the construction industry.”

Obi Energy, the commercial solar specialists advising ISPT, also expressed optimism about ClearVue’s technology.

“As independent specialists involved in sourcing energy solutions for our corporate clients, we are pleased to have been introduced to ClearVue’s innovative solutions,” said a spokesperson from Obi Energy. 

“We look forward to exploring further use of ClearVue products in future projects.”

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