Siemens and Next-Gen team up in Australia ahead of planned battery materials plant

Siemens and Next-Gen Technology have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to accelerate development and manufacture of materials for battery firming technology, as Next-Gen works towards the first materials manufacturing plant outside of China to produce Li (NCA) cathode materials.

These lithium, cobalt, nickel and aluminium materials are a critical component used to make electric vehicle and battery energy storage systems.

Even though these materials are mined in Australia, they are typically shipped to China for processing and refining.

Andrew Cooper, CEO of Next-Gen said by on-shoring manufacturing for the battery chain in Australia it can not only boost the nation’s capabilities but also reduce the industry’s carbon footprint.

“This is transformative, this is nation building, this is the type of thing that Australia needs,” he said.

“We are 100% Australian owned and operated but with a depth of knowledge in energy storage materials development. We have some of the world’s leading experts in lithium technology who have worked with us to develop our patented technology.

“This project will be the centrepiece for the battery value chain and has already attracted both upstream and downstream global investment and will help strengthen Australia’s sovereign manufacturing capabilities.” Cooper said.

He said that the two companies have ambitious plans to fully commission and have the battery manufacturing factory set up by the end of 2025.

“It’s great to see a global technology leader like Siemens collaborate with us as we look to scale our innovative patented cathode materials production to support the energy transition,” Cooper added.

The MoU will see Siemens provide its expertise in digitalisation, automation, and electrification to scale up the onshore production of this battery manufacturing capability.

Darryl Kaufmann, Head of Digital Industries for Siemens in Australia and New Zealand said, “it’s fantastic to see an Australian company trying to bring advanced manufacturing into Australia’s borders”.

He added that technology and digitalisation are the key to increasing manufacturing complexity and sovereign capability whilst accelerating sustainability in Australia.

“Being the largest automation and industrial software company in the world, we’re making our technology more accessible than ever so that companies like Next-Gen can bring their innovations to life through powerful tools such as digital twin,” Kaufmann said.

“We’re proud to extend our support to organisations such as Next-Gen who are pushing the boundaries of local innovation, manufacturing and supply chain.”

Picture: supplied