Local Battery Manufacturing Program: Production-Ready Stream

Purpose and Program Overview

The WA Local Battery Manufacturing Program: Production-Ready Funding Stream aims to support businesses in Western Australia to carry out critical pre-production activities in the battery energy storage supply chain. The program intends to strengthen WA’s manufacturing capabilities in producing residential and commercial batteries and components by funding activities that enhance capacity, competitiveness, and reduce barriers to market entry. It plays a strategic role in building a competitive and sustainable battery manufacturing industry in WA by lowering commercial risks associated with scaling up pre-production manufacturing.

While the total budget for the Local Battery Manufacturing Program is $50 million, the Production-Ready Stream specifically offers up to $100,000 in matched funding per application. The broader program supports Western Australia’s goals to diversify its economy, foster advanced manufacturing and capitalise on growing demand for battery energy storage solutions.

Key Grant Details

• Grant amount: Up to $100,000 per application
• Application deadline: 30 January 2026 (5pm AWST)
• Eligible industries: Businesses involved in the battery energy storage supply chain (residential, industrial, commercial sectors)
• Co-contribution: 50% matched funding required (cash only, no in-kind)
• Location: Western Australia; applicants must have a physical presence or intent to establish one in WA

Priority Sectors

• Battery energy storage supply chain, including:
  • Battery and component manufacturing
  • Residential, industrial, and commercial battery applications

Funding Scope

• Funding exclusively for pre-production activities such as:
  • Late-stage feasibility studies (legal, scheduling, market)
  • Prototype development
  • Testing and accreditation
• Applicants must operate for at least 12 months or demonstrate market acceptance (e.g., offtake agreements)
• Projects align with preparing for large-scale battery manufacturing

Eligibility Criteria

• Must have an ABN and be GST-registered for at least 12 months
• Be a for-profit entity or an incorporated not-for-profit Aboriginal Corporation commercially operating
• Solvent and able to maintain solvency throughout the project
• Must have a physical presence or clear intent to establish one in WA, with workforce (full-time equivalents) evidence
• Commitment to operate in WA for at least three years post-project
• Consortia applications allowed with a clear lead applicant meeting all criteria

Eligible Activities and Expenses

• Selected late-stage feasibility studies, including legal, scheduling, and market analyses
• Prototype development for battery components or systems
• Testing and accreditation activities to prepare products or processes for commercial manufacturing
• Excludes production-scale capital equipment or operational costs not related to pre-production

Assessment Process

• Production-Ready Funding Stream is a competitive grant round assessed by a judging panel
• Evaluation criteria include project merit, strategic alignment with WA’s battery manufacturing priorities, and value for money
• Competitive applications typically require robust business cases, financial forecasts, milestone plans, and evidence of market potential

Recent Program Updates

• Program launched as part of WA’s $50 million Local Battery Manufacturing Program
• Production-Ready Stream applications close 30 January 2026, supporting early-stage manufacturing readiness
• Complementary Production Scale-Up stream offers up to $5 million for scaling manufacturing operations

Application Tips

• Review eligibility and grant guidelines carefully before applying
• Prepare comprehensive documentation, including business cases, market analysis, cost-benefit analyses, and financial forecasts
• Engage a government grants consultant to help with application writing, including industry and competitor analysis, cash flow forecasts, and risk mitigation plans
• Clearly demonstrate how funding contributes to project milestones, employment impact, and advancing WA’s battery manufacturing capacity

Where to Get Help

Consider consulting a grant specialist for a personalised eligibility assessment and expert assistance in preparing a strong, compliant and competitive application. Contact Pattens Group today, and we will connect you with Australia’s best grant specialist, boasting over 35 years of experience in the industry and a 100% success rate. Visit the official WA government Local Battery Manufacturing Program website for guidelines, FAQs, and application details.