Funding up to $200 million to support breakthrough battery manufacturing projects, driving Australian innovation, strengthening supply chains, reducing emissions, and delivering lasting community benefits nationwide.
On this page you will find
What is the Battery Breakthrough Initiative (BBI)?
The Battery Breakthrough Initiative (BBI) is a landmark $500 million funding program delivered by the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) as part of the National Battery Strategy. Designed in consultation with the Department of Industry, Science and Resources (DISR), the Initiative is central to the Future Made in Australia policy agenda. It seeks to establish a resilient battery supply chain, strengthen national security, support emissions reduction, and create economic opportunities for local communities.
Battery Breakthrough Initiative level of support
- Total program allocation: $500 million
- Minimum funding per project: $2 million
- Maximum funding per project: $200 million
- Co-contribution required: Yes. Applicants are generally expected to at least match ARENA’s Capital Grant funding with a combination of cash and in-kind contributions.
- Production Incentives: May also be offered, tied to verified unit production volumes and paid quarterly for up to 10 years.
Battery Breakthrough Initiative important dates
- The Initiative is an open program. Applications can be submitted at any time until funds are exhausted.
- ARENA may also run specific Funding Rounds with set deadlines.
- Register your interest with GrantHelper.
Battery Breakthrough Initiative outcomes
The Initiative funds projects that contribute to one or more of the following outcomes:
- Enhance battery manufacturing capability to build supply chain resilience and reduce emissions.
- Commercialise battery manufacturing processes and technologies with a pathway to sustainable, long-term commercial operations.
Applicants must also demonstrate alignment with the Community Benefit Principles, ensuring projects support local workers, communities, and First Nations groups.
Projects eligible for Battery Breakthrough Initiative support
General Requirements:
- Projects must be located primarily in Australia.
- Must relate to manufacturing of electrochemical batteries (not mining or raw material processing).
- Technology must be at TRL 6 or higher (pilot/demonstration scale validated in relevant environment).
- Must align with one or more Program Outcomes
- Must align with one or more Focus Areas 2025:
- Active Materials – cathode/anode active materials, electrodes, electrolytes (excludes precursor chemicals, mining, raw materials).
- Battery Cell Manufacturing – cells and flow battery stacks; FEED may be considered where there is a clear pathway.
- Battery Pack Assembly – pack assembly including BMS integration (special funding limits: $20m max per project and $100m portfolio cap for lithium-ion).
- Other high impact projects may also be considered if they strongly align with program objectives, even if outside the three focus areas.
Commercialisation Pathway:
- Projects must demonstrate a clear pathway to commercial operations beyond the funding period (including customer demand, offtakers, or market differentiation).
Community Benefits:
- Projects should outline how they deliver local, regional, and First Nations benefits, consistent with the Government’s Community Benefit Principles.
Expenditure eligible for Battery Breakthrough Initiative support
Funding from ARENA may be used for costs that are directly related to and necessary for the delivery of the project, including:
- Capital expenditure on plant, equipment, and facilities required for project delivery.
- Materials and supplies directly attributable to the project.
- Salaries and on-costs for personnel engaged specifically for the project.
- Costs of contractors and consultants directly engaged for the project.
- Costs associated with commissioning and demonstrating the project.
- Project-related travel, where necessary.
The Initiative will not fund:
- Mining, refining, or primary processing of raw materials.
- Thermal or mechanical energy storage, supercapacitors, hydrogen electrolysers, or fuel cells.
- Projects without a credible commercialisation pathway.
- Projects focused solely on feasibility or FEED studies (unless specifically permitted).
- Ineligible expenditure, including:
- Acquisition of land.
- General business overheads not directly related to the project.
- Sales and promotional activities.
- Donations, membership fees, or unrelated costs.
Other Battery Breakthrough Initiative important details that you will need to know
Organisations eligible for Battery Breakthrough Initiative support
Applicants must:
1. Hold an ABN.
2. Be one of the following:
- An Australian entity incorporated under the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth).
- A corporate Commonwealth entity or company.
- A State or Territory body corporate, or its subsidiary.
- An Australian local government or council, or an organisation representing councils.
Note: Foreign-owned entities are eligible provided they meet the above requirements.
Battery Breakthrough Initiative assessment criteria
Applications that meet eligibility will be assessed against five equally weighted Merit Criteria:
1. Contribution to Program Outcomes
- Alignment with Focus Areas.
- Contribution to emissions reduction, decarbonisation pathways, and commercialisation.
- Support for Australian innovation and intellectual property.
- Delivery of meaningful community benefits, in line with the Community Benefit Principles.
2. Applicant Capability and Capacity
- Demonstrated track record in delivering complex projects.
- Depth of technical, regulatory, and commercial expertise.
- Workforce plans, including gender equality targets, First Nations participation, and regional workforce transition strategies.
3. Project Design, Risk and Community Benefits
- Strength and completeness of technical design, methodology, and delivery plan.
- Evidence of development work, regulatory approvals, and procurement pathways.
- Comprehensive risk management plan.
- Robust Community Engagement and Benefit Plan, including benefit-sharing and ongoing monitoring.
4. Financial Viability and Co-Funding Commitment
- Credibility of budget and financial model.
- Co-funding commitments and demonstrated financial sustainability.
- Value for money against industry benchmarks.
- Evidence of offtake agreements, sales certainty, and commercialisation pathways.
5. Knowledge Sharing
- Quality of the Knowledge Sharing Plan.
- Commitment to disseminate lessons learned across industry, community, and stakeholders.
- Transparent reporting on workforce, gender equality, and First Nations engagement outcomes.
How do I get the Battery Breakthrough Initiative?
Applicants must:
- Read and understand the Program Guidelines and Focus Areas before preparing an application.
- Confirm eligibility against all Eligibility Criteria. Applications that do not meet these requirements will not proceed to merit assessment.
- Provide complete and accurate information, including a detailed project plan, financial model, risk management, community benefit plan, and knowledge sharing commitments.
Information to prepare for the Battery Breakthrough Initiative application
Applicants should prepare:
- A detailed Project Plan (objectives, scope, technical design, budget, methodology).
- A comprehensive financial model (cash flow, funding commitments, scenario analysis).
- Risk and Work Health & Safety management plans.
- Community Engagement and Benefit Plan, including recruitment and training strategies.
- A Knowledge Sharing Plan outlining dissemination methods.
- Intellectual Property management arrangements.
Applying for the Battery Breakthrough Initiative
Applications must be submitted via ARENANet, ARENA’s online grants management system.
Register your interest with GrantHelper to explore your alignment with this grant and how we can assist you to increase your chances of success.
Battery Breakthrough Initiative resources
Is Your Business Eligible for This Government Grant?
GrantHelper can assist with your organisation’s grant application, no matter what stage of the funding journey you’re at.
Whenever You’re Ready, Here Are 7 Ways We Can Help You
- Grant Application Readiness
Assess your current position, identify gaps, and prepare your organisation to meet the stringent requirements of competitive grant programs. - Grant Application Strategy
Pinpoint the right grants, align your projects with funding priorities, and establish a roadmap that significantly boosts your chances of success. - Grant Application Search
Let us do the heavy lifting to uncover the most relevant and high-value grant opportunities tailored to your business objectives. - Grant Application Writing
Our expert writers craft persuasive applications that showcase your strengths and align seamlessly with the funder’s goals and criteria. - Grant Application Review
Receive detailed, strategic feedback to sharpen your application, address potential weaknesses, and ensure maximum alignment with assessment benchmarks. - Grant Application Management
End-to-end oversight of your grant journey — from planning and writing to submission and reporting — so you can stay focused on running your business. - Grant Application Courses
Access self-paced online training to build your internal capability and develop the skills needed to navigate and succeed in the grant landscape.
Ready to get started?
Not Ready to Enquire Yet?
We understand that winning grants takes time—something many business owners and directors don’t have. That’s why we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
Our Insights showcase some of the grant-winning methods we employ at GrantHelper, and they will help you create a stronger grant application.
Explore our Insights page, or our Podcasts page, where you’ll find expert advice, actionable tips, and time-saving strategies to help you get grant-ready.
Alternatively, check out some of the Clients we’ve helped and what they had to say about us.
