New Geelong battery plant a smart manufacturing move

April 29, 2022

The Geelong Manufacturing Council says a planned expansion of a ground-breaking battery production plant shows how Geelong manufacturers are creating smart solutions for a global market.

Li-S Energy will expand production of its next generation batteries after entering into an agreement with Deakin University to develop a dedicated 1000 sqm facility in Geelong.

Now listed on the ASX, Li-S Energy started two years ago as a joint venture between investment group PPK Group, Deakin University and BNNT Technology.

Geelong Manufacturing Council chief executive Jennifer Conley said Li-S Energy was creating jobs in smart manufacturing using world-leading research and technology.

“These batteries offer a technology advance that can help lead the transport sector to a low carbon future,” Ms Conley said.

Technology developments that can assist industry navigate a path to net zero emissions is one of the focal points of a special industry summit in Geelong next week (April 21).

The 2022 Technology and Innovation Summit attracted a compelling line-up of speakers representing innovative companies including Carbon Revolution, Quickstep, HeiQ and Li-S Energy, scale-up manufacturers including FLAIM Systems, UMS and FormFlow and senior leaders from the Clean Energy Finance Corporation and LaunchVic.

Ms Conley said Geelong’s manufacturing sector was positioned to be an advanced manufacturing leader. “As we emerge from the pandemic, Australian manufacturers are facing a significant period of change and opportunity,” Ms Conley said.

“We are seeing an acceleration of smart manufacturing solutions in a world where international supply chains are no longer as resilient and cost-effective as they once were.

“The Technology and Innovation Summit aims to bring together industry leaders, investors, research institutions and entrepreneurs to foster collaboration and share insights to help navigate this world of opportunity.”

Completion of the new Li-S Energy facility at Deakin University will allow the company to produce consistent high quality, commercial-grade cells and packs for testing and utilising by its partners including Australian company Janus Electric which is aiming to electrify the trucking industry.