The Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) has invested $25 million in Melbourne-based company Relectrify to fast-track the roll-out of its world-first battery energy storage system, the AC1.
Unlike conventional batteries, the AC1 can generate grid-ready AC power directly from battery cells, without the need for an inverter, cutting costs, reducing battery degradation and helping deliver more reliable, affordable energy.
According to Relectrify, the battery technology has the potential to transform energy storage – supporting the transition to a more flexible, low emissions grid.
Throughout the AC1 battery’s lifetime, it is projected to deliver 20 per cent more energy compared to standard batteries, resulting in greater investment returns for battery owners and helping to lower costs across the grid.
Relectrify will deploy up to 100 MWh of AC1 systems in the commercial, industrial and small front-of-meter markets. These deployments will build real-world operating experience, generate critical performance data and create reference sites for future customers.
The project will also include a comprehensive knowledge-sharing program to spread lessons across the energy sector and support work to integrate renewables and strengthen grid stability.
This project builds on ARENA’s previous support for Relectrify in second-life EV battery applications and positions Relectrify to further develop its battery technology.
Relectrify has also been awarded $2.9 million in matched funding through the Australian Government’s Industry Growth Program to significantly enhance and develop its market-proven cell-level control technology, CellSwitch, to be ready for use in heavy duty e-mobility applications such as electric trucks, buses and mining vehicles.
The Industry Growth Program is aligned with the seven government priority areas for the $15 billion National Reconstruction Fund, which includes resources, renewables and low emission technologies, and enabling capabilities.
“Australian ingenuity is driving the clean-energy industries of the future. By supporting companies like Relectrify, we’re building sovereign capability and helping home-grown innovation succeed on the world stage,” Minister for Industry and Innovation and Minister for Science Tim Ayres said.
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