Our R&D Programs.

We will address our core challenges and priorities over three integrated, industry-led R&D programs, enabled by investments in testing infrastructure and a workforce development incubator.

R&D Program 1.

Manufacturing of renewable technology commodities and products.

R&D Program 1 will boost domestic supply chain security by up-lifting value-added processing for critical minerals, build capacity for local manufacturing of critical renewable technology products and systems, and improve recycling of renewable technology components to build circular supply chains.

Indicative outcomes: 

  • Economic benefit through value-adding to our critical minerals.

  • Connected, sustainable domestic supply chains for critical renewable technology commodities and products with local off-take and high export potential.

  • Reduced-cost recycled chemical feedstocks and domestic recycling capabilities for circular supply chains.

R&D Program 2.

Renewable technology testing, deployment and integration.

R&D Program 2 will accelerate deployment by improving grid integration and control systems, introduce new infrastructure for situation testing, and optimise regional and remote microgrid deployment. Through collaboration with regional and First Nations communities, R&D Program 2 will establish best practices for community co-design of renewable technology initiatives.

Indicative outcomes: 

  • Nationally distributed common-user testing capacity.

  • Prove out and knowledge on performance for new and emerging critical renewable technologies.

  • Best practice guidelines and standardised testing methods for reliable critical renewable technology deployment.

  • Best practice frameworks for community engagement built around co-design principles and meaningful First Nations participation.

R&D Program 3.

Safety testing, accreditation and standards for renewable technologies.

R&D Program 3 will improve renewables safety through fire safety engineering and development of common standards and certification processes for critical renewable technologies.

Indicative outcomes: 

  • Safe rollout of lithium batteries through the developed Battery Accreditation program.

  • Lithium battery systems with enhanced safety.

  • Accredited domestic battery and critical renewable technology certification services.

  • Best practice guides and fit-for-purpose Standards.

  • Evidence-based emergency response procedures.

  • A national working group consisting of experts, energy generators/distributors/transmitters and battery manufactures.

  • Policy and regulation recommendations.

Workforce Development Incubator.

We will address escalating industry workforce demands and skills gaps in conjunction with our partners.

The Workforce Development Incubator will:

  • Fast-track development, scaling and roll-out of renewable energy skills and training to meet the skills needs of the sector.

  • Bridge R&D and workforce development, translating advances in technology, testing, certification and deployment into practical, skills-based micro-credentials and short courses.

  • Programs will target existing and transitions workers, regional communities, Indigenous Australians, and other underrepresented cohorts.

  • Support workforce mobility across regions through advocacy for state licensing standardisation.

  • Target skills areas will be guided by input from the CRC’s Industry Consultation Groups to ensure alignment with industry needs.