Premier reveals $570m battery manufacturing plan to create 9100 jobs and ‘keep the lights on’

The Premier is set to unveil a $570 million five-year plan he says will create more than 9100 jobs – including in the resources sector – and contribute $1.3 billion to the state’s economy as part of the journey to net zero.

Steven Miles will today unveil a half-a-billion strategy to “supercharge” the battery manufacturing industry in Queensland in a five-year plan the Premier says will create more than 9100 jobs.

The Courier-Mail can reveal Mr Miles will rollout the $570 million plan which the state government says will provide employment for workers in the resources sector to find employment mining critical minerals.

Within the funding pool for the battery strategy, a new investment of $210 million will be allocated to boost the industry by supporting and modernising the supply chain.

Mr Miles hopes the industry will contribute $1.3 billion to the state’s economy and create thousands of jobs by 2030 by developing advanced manufacturing of battery materials for export as well as local energy storage.

Premier Steven Miles says the plan will deliver more than 9100 jobs. Picture: Liam Kidston

“As the world moves towards net zero, global demand for batteries will increase by tenfold to 2030,” the Premier said.

“The Queensland Battery Industry Strategy establishes Queensland as a global leader in the flow batteries needed to store renewable energy and advanced battery technologies.”

The promise of delivering thousands of jobs in a billion-dollar industry will be crucial for the Premier to sell the government’s clean energy agenda to regional voters pessimistic about the potential squeeze on job opportunities in the traditional resource sector.

“Building a Queensland battery industry creates jobs here in the southeast, in mining critical minerals in the northwest, in minerals processing in Townsville and new clean economy jobs across our regions including Cairns, Gladstone and Maryborough,” Mr Miles said.

State Development Minister Grace Grace insists regions across Queensland will benefit from the battery supply chain.

“There are incredible opportunities right across our state, from recovery of critical minerals to the production and refining of advanced materials, manufacturing, and integration of battery packs,” she said.

“Right now, most of the batteries used in Queensland are imported.

“This is a massive opportunity for Queensland to become a world leader and make these products in our own backyard.

“Our ambition is to make Queensland the battery industry capital, and ensure our communities benefit directly from the job and economic opportunities this will bring.”

Nickel is one of the many minerals used in the manufacture of batteries. Picture: Cameron Laird

Queensland University of Technology associate professor Josh Watts, who is the director of the university’s advanced battery facility, said the state’s industry was “incredibly strong” and prime to supply local and export markets.

“The support provided through the Queensland Battery Industry Strategy will ensure these businesses are able to scale and get their products to market to meet demand which will fortify our domestic energy security and create more jobs and economic growth for Queensland,” he said.