Deadline Date: January 30, 2026
The Local Battery Manufacturing Program aims to strengthen Western Australia’s manufacturing sector by supporting businesses engaged in battery and battery component production through targeted financial assistance.
The focus areas of the Program are strengthening Western Australia’s manufacturing sector, reducing barriers to market entry and growth, enabling a more sustainable and competitive battery energy storage industry, supporting manufacturers to scale up their businesses, boosting productivity, creating more local jobs, supporting increased local manufacturing of batteries and battery components for residential and medium-scale applications, supporting activities across the battery energy storage supply chain including cell manufacturing, battery manufacturing and battery recycling, supporting a range of battery technologies, supporting local supply to domestic and export markets, and considering different levels of production maturity through differentiated grant and loan streams. The Production-ready Grant Stream objectives are to fund activities that facilitate enhanced capacity, capability and competitiveness in battery energy storage supply chain participation, reduce entry barriers to established battery energy storage markets or supply chains, and lower the commercial risk and uncertainty associated with pre-production manufacturing activities.
The Program provides a total funding pool of $50 million as a key election commitment under the Cook Labor Government’s Made in WA Plan. This includes an indicative allocation of $30 million for grants and $20 million for low-interest loans, designed to help eligible businesses reduce market entry challenges and accelerate growth within the battery energy storage sector. Applicants may seek funding across both grants and loans up to a combined maximum of $10 million, with potential approval for higher amounts in exceptional cases offering strong value to the state.
The Production-ready Grant Stream supports three categories of pre-production activities, including feasibility studies, prototype development, and testing and accreditation. Under this stream, eligible businesses may apply for grants of up to $100,000, covering 50 percent of eligible costs. Applicants must contribute the remaining funding in cash, ensuring that supported projects demonstrate both commercial commitment and readiness to advance toward manufacturing at scale.
To be considered for funding, applicants must meet several essential eligibility requirements such as holding an ABN, operating as a for-profit entity or an incorporated not-for-profit Aboriginal Corporation, being legally registered to enter into a Financial Assistance Agreement, and operating within the battery energy storage supply chain. Additional requirements include a minimum twelve months of operation or demonstrated market acceptance, GST registration, solvency, and proof of physical presence in Western Australia. Businesses considering relocation to Western Australia may be eligible if they demonstrate clear intent and introduce new activities that do not compete directly with existing local manufacturers.
For more information, visit Government of Western Australia.
