Australian Renewable Agency Bets Big on ‘Sulphur’ Batteries

A Tesla Model Y charges at a EV charge station in Lane Cove in Sydney, Australia, on Jan. 19, 2021. Brendon Thorne/Getty Images

The Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) has allocated $4.8 million to Gelion Technologies Pty Ltd (Gelion) for a new battery system it hopes can become the new standard for renewables.

The $9.6 million project will see Gelion collaborate with prospective customers to refine and test lithium-sulphur (Li-S) and silicon-sulphur (Si-S) battery products at its Advanced Commercial Prototyping Centre in Sydney, New South Wales.

As per government statement, the high energy density batteries aim to store more energy per unit of weight, which, if successful, will be a boon for EVs and potential electric aircraft.

How Lithium-Sulphur Batteries Work

Lithium-sulphur batteries are a next-generation energy solution addressing challenges posed by traditional lithium-ion batteries, such as overheating, limited lifespans, and reliance on scarce raw materials, explained the U. S. Department of Energy Office of Science’s Advanced Photon Source (APS).

It further explains that by pairing a sulphur cathode with a lithium metal anode, the high energy potential of the chemical sulphur can be tapped.

Early models had struggled with corrosion caused by polysulphides dissolving in the electrolyte.

Recent advancements, such as redox-active interlayers, have resolved this issue, which could allow for some batteries to last longer for over 700 charge cycles.

Federal Ministers Tout Benefits of New Technology

Minister for Energy Chris Bowen highlighted the project’s significance in driving local innovation towards a sustainable future.

“Australia is emerging as a world leader in alternative battery chemistry,” Bowen stated.

“Batteries are the building blocks of a sustainable energy future and could help us meet our net zero commitments.”

Minister for Industry and Science Ed Husic underscored the importance of investing in advanced technologies.

“Batteries will be fundamental to how we live and work in the future,” Husic said. “Improved energy density will make these batteries highly sought after locally and globally.”

Surge in Global Battery Demand

Global battery demand is projected to skyrocket from 194 GWh in 2020, to 2,045 GWh by 2030, with EVs accounting for 87 percent of this demand.

To bolster EV adoption, the Albanese government has also launched a $150 million initiative through the Clean Energy Finance Corporation (CEFC).

The initiative offers low-interest loans to essential workers and middle-income earners, potentially saving buyers over $8,000 on a $40,000 EV loan.

The scheme covers new and used EVs worth up to $55,000 and home EV charging equipment.

Electric vehicle sales in Australia exceeded 100,000 units in 2024, according to the Electric Vehicle Council’s (EVC) State of Electric Vehicles report released on Dec. 16.