2023 Industry Laureate Profile: Professor Shizhang Qiao

Professor Shizhang Qiao

Administering Organisation: The University of Adelaide

Fellowship Project Summary 

IL230100039 – Aqueous sodium batteries for household and smart-grid electricity storage

The Australian renewable energy industry is rapidly increasing, with high demand driving the need for new storage technologies. Based on this growth rate, Australia could be powered 100% by renewable energy shortly after 2030 as long as energy storage technology can keep pace with demand. Current batteries are not up to the task of safely, cost-effectively, and efficiently storing renewable energy. This project will design and commercialise sodium-based batteries, in collaboration with two Australian industry partners (Iondrive Technologies and AUFU Group), that can be used in households and smart-grids. The outcomes of the project include pilot-scale production of cheap, safe, durable and “green” batteries. The benefits to Australia will be reliable capacity to store and distribute electricity. In addition, an innovative industry manufacturing capability will be established, provided economic benefits including export opportunities, all while helping to reduce energy costs and contribute to achieving net-zero emissions.

Australian Research Council funding: $3,516,522

Industry Partners: Iondrive Technologies Pty Ltd, AUFU Group Pty Ltd

To find out more about Professor Qiao, please visit his profile page here.

For further information about this funding scheme, please visit the Industry Laureate Fellowships page.