Thornton business secures $2.1 million grant for clean energy battery innovation

6 December 2024

newy.com.au – A Thornton-based company, Allegro Energy Pty Ltd, has been awarded a $2.1 million grant from the NSW Environmental Trust under its Clean Technology Research and Development Grant Program. This funding is part of a $7 million initiative by the Minns Labor Government to advance emissions-reducing technologies in New South Wales.

Allegro Energy’s groundbreaking project aims to develop a low-cost, water-based battery capable of storing renewable energy for more than 10 hours. The company’s innovative Microemulsion Flow technology has been hailed as a significant advancement in long-duration energy storage, with components to be locally manufactured in NSW.

The Clean Tech grants focus on supporting early-stage projects that drive innovation in areas such as energy systems, land industries, and power fuels. Allegro Energy joins three other recipients in this funding round, selected from nearly 80 initial expressions of interest.

Other grant recipients include Rux Energy Pty Ltd for hydrogen storage solutions ($2.99 million), Number 8 Bio Pty Ltd for methane reduction in cattle farming ($292,000), and Plasma Leap Technologies Pty Ltd for a clean ammonia production process ($1.59 million).

Minister for the Environment Penny Sharpe commended the grant winners, emphasising the importance of government, industry, and public collaboration in tackling climate change. She highlighted the crucial role of research and development in creating innovative solutions for reducing emissions.

Local Member for Maitland, Jenny Aitchison, praised Allegro Energy for its commitment to sustainable innovation and its efforts to manufacture key components domestically. Allegro Energy CEO Thomas Nann expressed gratitude for the funding, noting that the Hunter region’s skilled workforce will be instrumental in the project’s success as the area transitions from traditional industries.

This initiative is part of the government’s broader commitment to achieving net zero emissions by 2050, leveraging new technologies to create economic opportunities while addressing the global climate crisis.