Siemens and Next-Gen Energy Technology sign technology partnership to support onshore battery manufacturing supply chain

Siemens and Australian company Next-Gen Energy Technology (Next-Gen) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to accelerate the development and manufacture of innovative materials for battery firming technology. The MoU will support Next-Gen’s efforts to establish the first materials manufacturing plant outside of China with world-leading innovations, to produce Li (NCA) cathode materials, primarily used in electric vehicles and battery energy storage systems, in Australia.

Speaking on the collaboration, Andrew Cooper, CEO of Next-Gen said, “It’s great to see a global technology leader like Siemens collaborate with us as we look to scale our innovative patented cathode materials production to support the energy transition. Australia is home to some of the most ingenious minds in the world. Our process will dramatically reduce the carbon footprint current value chain practices employ however, tackling a problem like climate change can’t be done alone. Siemens is a trusted partner, and this is why we welcome the opportunity to work with Siemens and access their best-in-class automation and digital twin technologies”, said Mr Cooper. 

Andrew Cooper, CEO of Next-Gen (left), and Darryl Kaufmann from Siemens sign a Memorandum of Understanding.

“We see that by on-shoring manufacturing for the battery chain here in Australia, we can reduce the industry’s carbon footprint dramatically – particularly reducing scope three emissions which are part of Net Zero commitments. 

“Our Lithium NCA solution is world first, transformative and nation building. Some of the world’s leading experts in lithium technology have worked with us to develop this technology. This new knowledge will now be transferred to Australia to provide employment and export opportunities. This project will be the centrepiece for the battery value chain and has already attracted both upstream and downstream global investment and will help strengthen Australia’s sovereign manufacturing capabilities. Imagine a world where your battery technology lasts three to four times longer than the current technology does. Our technology will deliver this and at the same time halve the battery real estate required and allow battery charging in a fraction of the time it takes today,” Mr Cooper added.

Next-Gen Energy Technology will draw on Siemens’ core expertise in digitalization, automation, and electrification to scale up onshore production of battery manufacturing technology that will ultimately increase sovereign capability. The agreement will build on Next-Gen’s expertise in advanced ternary cathode materials for lithium-ion batteries.

Speaking on the announcement Darryl Kaufmann, Head of Digital Industries for Siemens in Australia and New Zealand said, “Technology and digitalization are the key to increasing manufacturing complexity and sovereign capability whilst accelerating sustainability in Australia. The goal is to have a positive impact on local industry and on decarbonising the world – beyond the 1% of emissions we are responsible for.

“Being the largest automation and industrial software company in the world, we’re making our technology more accessible than ever so that companies like Next-Gen can bring their innovations to life through powerful tools such as digital twin. We’re proud to extend our support to organisations such as Next-Gen who are pushing the boundaries of local innovation, manufacturing and supply chain.”

This MoU follows Next-Gen’s other agreements with major Australian research organisations on battery firming technology.