Turnbull gov’t assists tech innovators in developing ultra-thin flexible printed batteries

Energy efficient house — Ben Cormack stands in the doorway of his home on the Isle of Eigg, Inner Hebrides, Scotland May 27, 2014. Reuters/Paul Hackett

The Turnbull Government is assisting Aussie innovators to build a technology that seeks to revolutionise battery storage. Brisbane-based company Printed Energy Pty Ltd has received funding under the government’s CRC Projects (CRC-P) grants to boost technological work in the country.

The company is developing ultra-thin flexible printed batteries that will have applications in new services like wearable electronics, Internet of Things devices, industrial scale solar energy storage and healthcare products. The government has assisted Printed Energy’s $12 million project with a $2 million CRC-P grant.

Minister for Industry, Innovation and Science Senator Arthur Sinodinos has visited one of the company’s project partners, the University of Queensland, to officially announce the grant. A main pillar of the government’s National Innovation and Science Agenda involves improving the collaboration between researchers and industry for a more innovative and entrepreneurial economy.

Ultra-thin, flexible batteries

Printed Energy’s project means ultra-thin and flexible batteries for portable devices as well as renewable energy could be attained soon. Once finished, it can modernize battery storage.

Furthermore, Printed Energy’s work can also cut manufacturing costs through the use of non-toxic materials. The CRC Project helps encourage SME participation in collaborative research and producing tangible outcomes for the industry. In this specific project, for instance, Printed Energy teamed up with the University of Queensland, Sunset Power International Pty Ltd, Sonovia Holdings LLC and the University of New South Wales.

In a media release, Sinodinos congratulated the principals of Printed Energy, Trevor St Baker and Brian Flannery for their initiative that aims to secure the printed batteries technology. He also praised them for bringing this technology to the country for commercialisation and development.

The CRC Projects aligns with the Turnbull government’s commitment to Australian industries by facilitating business involvement in collaborative research. The government intends to boost the productivity, sustainability and competitiveness of industries as a source of further growth and new jobs.

In other news, Southern Australia is set to have the world’s largest lithium-ion battery. Tesla has previously announced its plan as part of a bid to solve energy crisis.

The company will team up with French renewable energy company Neoen to build a 100-megawatt battery farm in the state. Tesla CEO Elon Musk promised to deliver the system within 100 days of signing the contract or it will be free. “The system will be three times more powerful than any system on earth,” Musk told reporters, according to News 8.

NSW hospitals welcome rapid flu testing