Plans for a massive battery-cell “gigafactory” could support up to 500 jobs in its stage, according to its boss.
The lithium-ion battery cell production facility – dubbed a “gigafactory” – was unveiled by Australian start-up Recharge Industries earlier this year.
It comes months after the company announced its acquisition of collapsed UK battery maker Britishvolt, with plans in the pipeline for another $6.7bn “gigafactory” in northern England.
Chief executive officer Rob Fitzpatrick told the Geelong Advertiser on Wednesday acquisition would influence the Avalon facility’s design and construction.
“As a company with multiple locations we’re looking to use a ‘design once, build many’ mindset,” he said.
Libby Coker, Ed Husic and Richard Marles are briefed about the Avalon gigafactory.
“That’s the approach we’re taking with construction.”
It’s expected construction – located at Avalon’s industrial precinct – would take 9-12 months to complete, with the first sod turning at the beginning of next year.
The first stage of the Geelong facility will produce 6GWh of batteries each year and support 400-500 jobs before scaling up.
Once complete, the project will generate up to 30GWh hours of storage capacity and support “thousands” of roles.
Key Recharge staffers joined Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles, Corangamite MP Libby Coker and federal Minister for Industry Ed Husic at Avalon to view plans for the site on Thursday morning.
Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles told the media he’d been reassured there was a company focus in Geelong despite the acquisition of Britishvolt.
“What’s been made clear today is an intent to get this facility going as soon as possible, with a view to see construction happening in the next year or so,” he said.
“It’s going to be an amazing addition to the manufacturing base of Geelong.”
This article contains features which are only available in the web versionTake me there
Mr Fitzpatrick said the company had prioritised discussions with local companies on a number of issues, from battery casings to construction, civil infrastructure and earthworks.
He also highlighted the importance of establishing an Australian supply chain, with more than 90 per cent of lithium extracted from Australian soil exported overseas.
“As we look to build out our capability … we will be seeking supply chain partners that are looking to establish and ideally co locate with our manufacturing,” he said.
“We’d like to have as many of those component parts, along with the recycling, occurring here in the Geelong region.”
At the moment, batteries using the same materials – often used in electric vehicles – are largely sourced from China and the United States.
“There is a massive opportunity for Australia to not only produce battery cells but, in parallel, build out a domestic value-added supply chain addressing the long-held concerns about Australia being a “dig and ship” economy,” Mr Fitzpatrick said.
Loading embed…
This article contains features which are only available in the web versionTake me there