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TAFE Centre of Excellence Clean Energy Batteries awards round one grants
Over $1 million in round one funding has been awarded to innovative sustainable energy applied research projects.
More renewable energy solutions are coming online in Australia, including battery energy storage.
To support the education and training needs of this evolving sector, the TAFE Centre of Excellence Clean Energy Batteries launched its inaugural round of competitive Applied Research Grants.
The round attracted 16 proposals from universities, vocational education and training providers, industry, and not-for-profit organisations.
Seven projects were selected and nearly $1.2 million was awarded - exceeding the initial $1 million allocation.
The research will be carried out over 12 months or less.
Successful round one applicants
Australian National University
Australian National University has been awarded $194,252 to develop consumer engagement training to help installers guide consumers through complex energy technology decisions.
CQUniversity
CQUniversity will receive $171,407 to develop safety and recycling training for the battery energy storage system workforce, with a focus on regional Queensland.
Queensland Farmers’ Federation
The Queensland Farmers’ Federation has been awarded $150,000 to fund energy in agriculture training, helping farmers better understand battery options to support their operations
Queensland University of Technology
Queensland University of Technology will receive $200,000 to review Australia's lithium-ion battery disposal against international standards to inform battery lifecycle management training.
South Metropolitan TAFE
South Metropolitan TAFE has been awarded $199,694 to review battery energy storage system workforce needs and develop targeted training aligned to job descriptions and tasks.
Sustainable Lithium Cells Australia
Sustainable Lithium Cells Australia will receive $77,633 to develop affordable, scalable second-life lithium battery systems for mobile solar energy use, developing training to support workers to safely assess, build and manage the systems.
TAFE Queensland Commercial
TAFE Queensland Commercial has been awarded $197,200 to create practical training and career pathways to support emerging occupations in Australia’s mining and critical minerals sectors.
The funding will drive the development of innovative training that tackles industry challenges, supporting the Centre to share best practice teaching and learning with TAFEs nationwide, strengthening the vocational education and training system for the benefit of all Australians.
Further grant funding through the Centre will be available in the coming years, with round two opening in January 2026.
The $20 million TAFE Centre of Excellence Clean Energy Batteries, led by TAFE Queensland, is a joint initiative between the Australian and Queensland Governments to 2028.