Victoria funds manufacturers of renewables technology

The Victorian Government has announced four manufacturing businesses will share in more than $1 million of funding through the Made in Victoria – Energy Technologies Manufacturing Program. The businesses will be able to buy new equipment and technology to manufacture more components for renewable energy applications.

Among the recipients is PowerPlus Energy based in Scoresby, which specialises in energy storage technology. The funding will enable the company to increase and automate its production of lithium-ion batteries.

“This grant is playing a vital role in supporting our growth, enabling future facility upgrades, and strengthening our contribution to the state’s manufacturing infrastructure,” said PowerPlus Energy CEO Bradley Paton. “It will also firmly position PowerPlus Energy at the forefront of renewable technology production right here at home.”

The state government says that Victoria is on track to hit 40% renewables by 2025 and 95% renewable electricity by 2035.

Victoria’s $33 billion manufacturing sector has more than 24,000 businesses, employs 260,000 people and exports $23.9 billion worth of goods every year.

“We’re helping some of our most innovative local manufacturers to be part of the growing renewables sector, create new jobs and drive economic growth right across the state,” said Minister for Jobs and Industry Natalie Hutchins.

Image credit: iStock.com/SweetBunFactory