Australia and Indonesia cooperate on battery research

Australia’s Future Battery Industries Cooperative Research Centre (FBICRC) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Indonesia’s National Battery Research Institute (NBRI) witnessed by Bill Johnston, WA Minister for Energy, Mines and Petroleum and the Hydrogen industry.

The agreement is intended to strengthen collaboration in battery research, technology and innovation between Australia and Indonesia, and aligns with the ‘Plan of Action’ signed by the WA government and the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KADIN) in July 2023.

The two organisations have committed to collaborate on key areas of capacity building, education and training, developing the battery ecosystem and battery standardisation.

The FBICRC is currently participating in the largest trade mission to Indonesia made up of 130 people from industry and government with the aim of diversifying WA’s economy across energy transition, creative industries and the digital economy, international education, primary industries, and tourism.

During the visit, the WA Government signed a Joint Communique with KADIN where both parties committed to further dialgoue in the critical minerals and new energy sectors in pursuit of net zero, across supply chain cooperation, environmental, social and governance (ESG) and skilled workforce development.

Both governments committed to ongoing engagement with the FBICRC to understand the research skills and industry expertise that will be required to support battery and critical minerals supply chains.

FBICRC CEO Shannon O’Rourke said Australia was committed to working with like minded partners who are focussed on accelerating the path to net zero.

O’Rourke said: “Both Australia and Indonesia have great potential to accelerate the global energy transition. This collaboration with NBRI is a practical demonstration of turning intent into tangible action and we very much look forward to working together.”

The NBRI was established in 2020 by Founder, Professor Evvy Kartini as an independent institute for electrochemical energy storage science and technology, supporting research, training, and education.

Professor Kartini said: “I would like to express my appreciation the Western Australian Government and the FBICRC for this opportunity to learn from Australian experts and help Indonesia to become a global player in the battery market.”

Picture: FBICRC/Professor Evvy Kartini and Shannon O’Rourke