Perth-based Lithium Australia looks to have its eyes set on systematically progressing its battery production expertise with its wholly owned subsidiary, VSPC rubber stamping a three-way deal with the Australian Research Council, or “ARC” and the University of Technology Sydney, or “UTS” to conduct research and development for solid-state lithium metal battery technology. The company says the technology will spearhead the next generation of lithium batteries.
ARC is a government-owned research entity which doles out over $800 million in research grants each year. The group’s key function is cultivating knowledge and promoting innovation for the benefit of Australia through the funding of high-value R&D projects.
The initiative will see battery-related R&D completed through ARC’s grant with UTS’s Centre for Clean Energy Technologies serving as the designated driver for the project. Riding shotgun will be Advanced Battery Technologies which will serve as the industry partner.
Lithium Australia’s newly minted R&D brains trust looks to be plump with heavy hitters with UTS researchers recently named amongst the world’s most influential scientists.
UTS’s research trident will focus on improving battery performance, conducting investigations on two-cathode types and increasing cell cycle life.
Under the terms of the agreement Lithium Australia’s subsidiary, VSPC will provide industry support funding of up to $250,000 over a three-year period with a $30,000 initial investment.
Lithium Australia Managing Director, Adrian Griffin said: “If this R&D is successful, it provides VSPC with an opportunity to produce all three of the battery components: cathode, anode and electrolyte, and influence battery design to maximise critical materials and overall recyclability. It also allows VSPC to partner with UTS’s world-class research team and support development of Australian leadership in solid-state battery technologies development.”
Lithium Australia says the focus of the research on solid-state lithium batteries is due to its belief that these batteries present the most likely path to achieving the next leap forward in battery performance.
With all-solid-state lithium-sulphur batteries potentially offering up to three times more energy as compared to its lithium-ion counterpart, the company’s resolve looks to be well-founded.
Whilst Lithium Australia has been busy assembling an all-star frontline team of battery galactico’s - its bench is not bad either. The company only last week announced a deal through another subsidiary to collect spent batteries from Bunnings stores across the country and recycle them responsibly.
If Lithium Australia and its subsidiaries can continue making what looks like a series of power moves, the company is likely to have a bright future ahead. Highlighting the industry’s potential, market bellwether Tesla recently grabbed the headlines surpassing a US$1 trillion-dollar market value. Lithium Australia’s latest moves and its timing appear sublime.
Is your ASX-listed company doing something interesting? Contact: matt.birney@businessnews.com.au
By Matt Birney
