ACBC WA | Industries of the Future: Electricity grids, battery storage and battery waste management, 8 November 2023

On Wednesday 8 November 2023, ACBC WA held Industries of the Future: Electricity grids, battery storage and battery waste management, at KPMG in Perth.

Michael Feakes, Branch General Manager, ACBC WA introduced Rob Gambitta, Senior Audit Partner, KPMG, to deliver welcome remarks. Rob’s welcome was followed by introductory remarks from James Clarke, President, ACBC WA, who noted the big week it had been for the Australia-China relationship given the Prime Minister’s visit, and the importance of China to Australia’s critical minerals sector.

James also spoke about how the ACBC together with the UTS:ACRI have embarked on releasing “Critical facts, critical minerals and China: what Australians need to know” – a series of thought leadership analysis pieces around China’s historical and potential future involvement in Australia’s critical minerals and rare earths sectors.

Critical Insight 1: Understanding vulnerabilities and leverage in critical minerals supply chains is available here, with Critical Insight 2: An enduring partner – what Australians need to understand about China’s contribution to Australia’s critical minerals sector, coming very soon.

Raj Surendran, CEO, Tianqi Lithium Energy Australia, then spoke about the efforts that his company are taking to reduce battery wastage and how important battery recycling will be in future to ensure that decarbonisation efforts are not made redundant.

Prof Aleks Nikoloski, Professor of Extractive Metallurgy, Murdoch University (Presentation) delivered a fascinating presentation entitled Future resources: the role of minerals in a modern world and the path to a sustainable circular economy. Prof Nikoloski addressed areas of concern surrounding battery storage and waste, as well as how in addition to mineral resources and innovative technology, a skilled workforce is also a critical requirement.

Dr Jemma Green, Cofounder and Executive Chairman, Powerledger (Presentation) introduced the software they make for tracing energy and trading environmental commodities, like carbon credits. Dr Green also discussed the concept of greenwashing in the industry and how blockchain is evolving and accounting for electricity accountability.

Following the presentations, Dr Nick Moffatt, Partner ESG Advisory and Assurance, KPMG, led a panel discussion with speakers and took questions from attendees.

Thank you to KPMG for hosting the event, speakers, and all attendees who joined us.