Queensland to invest hundreds of millions in battery export industry that could employ thousands

Investment comes after research showing Australia is at risk of missing out on global renewables manufacturing boom

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Thousands of Queenslanders could soon be employed in a globally competitive grid-scale battery export industry, with the state committing hundreds of millions in backing for the sector.

Centre for Future Work director, Jim Stanford, said the state’s shift towards long-unfashionable “industry policy” was “absolutely the right direction” for the entire country, not just Queensland.

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$275m to support industry to innovate and commercialise battery technologies, including a new Australian battery industrialisation centre.

$92.2m to drive battery investment and supply chain growth, including grants.

$202.5m to promote the local industry, including a new state government clearing house.