en.Wedoany.com Reported - The Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) has provided up to A$45 million in funding to Sicona Battery Technologies to demonstrate the commercial-scale manufacturing of its silicon-carbon anode material (SiCx®), a technology aimed at enhancing electric vehicle (EV) battery performance and supporting Australia's domestic battery manufacturing capabilities.
The funding will be used to build and operate a commercial-scale demonstration facility in the Illawarra region, potentially located at BlueScope's Port Kembla precinct. The project is part of ARENA's Battery Breakthrough Initiative.
Sicona's SiCx® silicon-carbon anode material is produced through a mechanical process that ARENA says is safer, more scalable, and lower-cost than existing silane-based methods. The technology aims to increase lithium-ion battery energy density by 20% and enable charging speeds up to 40% faster than traditional graphite anodes, while maintaining compatibility with existing battery manufacturing processes.
ARENA CEO Darren Miller said the project will contribute to the development of next-generation battery technologies and Australia's position in the global battery supply chain. "Improving battery performance will help further accelerate EV adoption and reduce emissions," Miller said. "Sicona's technology has the potential to deliver faster charging, longer range, and lower-cost batteries. The technology has been independently tested and is being evaluated by global battery and EV manufacturers, highlighting its strong commercial potential." He added that the project will also support Australia's capabilities in advanced battery materials, helping reduce reliance on imported components while strengthening Australia's role in the global battery supply chain.
Sicona founder and CEO Christiaan Jordaan said the demonstration facility will help validate the company's commercial-scale manufacturing process. "Battery-powered industries need higher performance at lower cost. Our silicon-carbon anode technology is designed to deliver faster charging, higher energy density, and a scalable path to integrate into existing lithium-ion battery supply chains," Jordaan said. "The Wollongong facility will allow us to validate our process at commercial scale, deliver SiCx® materials to customers, and accelerate our path to market." He added that the project demonstrates Australia's potential to expand from exporting critical minerals to advanced materials manufacturing, creating skilled jobs and participating in higher-value battery supply chains.
According to ARENA, materials produced at the demonstration facility will be supplied to potential customers as part of efforts to secure offtake agreements with global battery and EV manufacturers. The facility is expected to create up to 36 skilled manufacturing jobs, while supporting workforce development, training, and local industry collaboration.
The funding is part of the Battery Breakthrough Initiative, a competitive, performance-based program implemented by ARENA under the Australian Government's National Battery Strategy and the Future Made in Australia agenda, which is now closed.
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