The Gold Coast’s eLumina A$20 million EV battery manufacturing facility is expected to be operational by August this year.
The factory will produce 300 batteries annually, create 300 jobs, and be capable of serving up to 100 Queensland households with reliable and cheaper renewable energy, the oompany says.
Onshore manufacturing of critical EV technology, such as chargers and batteries, is essential to Australia’s energy future, says eLumina chief executive Lisa Marsh.
“Global demand for batteries is soaring.
“We have record solar uptake and energy generation in Australia, but we need battery storage at scale to harness its full potential,” she says.
“Through battery storage we can capture this energy and ensure reliable and cheaper off-grid power to all Australians. This insulates communities from power outages and saves them money.”
Marsh says Queensland has potential to become a world leader in next-generation battery manufacturing and research and development.
“Our centre is just the start of that. We are committed to making a fundamental difference to Australia’s clean energy economy.
“Our world-class research and development training centre will upskill hundreds of Queenslanders with the expertise to contribute to our evolving battery and EV charging sector.”
Gold Coast mayor Tom Tate says the area has an ambitious plan to secure a larger slice of the clean energy sector and the high skilled jobs it’s creating.
“Our Economic and Climate Resilience and Sustainability Strategies are all about backing the Gold Coast to use renewable energy and boost the uptake of renewables,” he says.
“I’m excited to see the thousands of EV chargers and batteries set to be deployed in Australia over the coming years to be stamped – ‘Made on the Gold Coast’.”
To accelerate deployment of its EV chargers across the country, eLumina has partnered with Addelec (formerly known as Gemtek).
“The number of EVs on Australian roads is growing rapidly and charging infrastructure needs to keep pace with that,” says Addelec general manager Chris McPherson.
“The eLumina D1 with built in battery storage is a great option to have, especially considering the power challenges we have across Australia.
“Producing EV chargers in Australia will make it easier to meet demand and to support the exciting transformation to more sustainable transport.”
Marsh says building Australia’s sovereign capability in battery storage and EV technology will support the growth of green energy and EVs.
“By producing this technology in Australia we can provide families with cheaper power and give more people confidence to drive an EV.”
