RenewEconomy/Sophie Vorrath: Sonnen to start making batteries in Australia next month

RenewEconomy
Sonnen to start making batteries in Australia next month
Sophie Vorrath 25 October 2018 1 Comments
share

German energy storage giant sonnen Group has revealed it expects to produce its first Australian-made residential sonnenBatterie within weeks, at the former Holden car factory in Elizabeth, South Australia.

The manufacturing plant, first proposed under the state’s former Labor government, aims to produce 10,000 batteries a year to meet soaring demand from Australian households, as well as for export to the neighbouring Asia Pacific region.

The repurposed factory got the go-ahead from the new Liberal government, just a day after it unveiled the details of its $100 million Home Battery Scheme, a subsidy of up to $6,000 per household that will be supported by a further $100 million in finance from the Clean Energy Finance Corporation.

“Customers who invest in a sonnenBatterie produce a positive ripple effect on Australia’s economy through their purchase with hundreds of direct and indirect jobs generated for Australia’s manufacturing industry,” said sonnen COO Oliver Koch in comments on Thursday.

“It will also enable sonnen to accelerate its battery roll-out program to create a ‘virtual power plant’, an important new renewable energy source for Australia,” he added.

The update on sonnen’s progress in Australia comes with the announcement of a new managing director for the company’s Australia and Asia Pacific operations, Nathan Dunn.

Sonnen said Dunn – who was previously at US inverter specialist, Enphase, and GE before that – would be responsible for growing the company’s market share in Australia and Asia Pacific and delivering on its strategy to manufacture “an intelligent, high-tech solar storage system,” at the former Holden factory in Elizabeth.

Dunn succeeds Chris Parratt, who will leave the company to pursue new opportunities, sonnen said.

“We are delighted to welcome Nathan to the sonnen Group,” said Koch. “His credentials and management experience in the clean energy industry will allow us to accelerate the delivery of sonnenBatteries that are made in Australia.”

Dunn said he was both “delighted and proud” to be part of sonnen as it ramped up operations in Australia.

“The Australian residential rooftop solar market is experiencing significant growth and I look forward to being part of a team that is committed to helping customers transition to a clean energy future,” he said.

“Working with sonnen, I believe we will revitalise the pride of Australia’s manufacturing heritage and set a new milestone to position South Australia as a beacon for cleantech manufacturing globally.”

Sonnen plans to create up to 430 new jobs in South Australia as it builds production for the $100 million South Australia Home Battery Scheme.
Print Friendly, PDF & Email
More : battery storage, Sonnen, sonnenbatterie

Previous post

SA-Best calls for wind farm ban, as it seeks to rekindle health concerns
Next post

Labor backing of Liberal coal plan outrageous: Bandt

    Solar Insiders Podcast: Lassoing solar cowboys in Victoria
    by Giles Parkinson and Nigel Morris on 24 October 2018 at 11:28 PM

    Coca-Cola taps solar in Australia, with 3.5MW roll-out across three states
    by Sophie Vorrath on 24 October 2018 at 8:50 PM

    Remote WA nickel mine to add 7MW solar plant, slash diesel use
    by Sophie Vorrath on 24 October 2018 at 1:27 AM

    Model Y coming in 2020, but Musk most excited by Tesla ute
    by Bridie Schmidt on 25 October 2018 at 3:45 AM

    Model 3 smashes records, targets Europe and China, not far from “cheap” version
    by Bridie Schmidt on 25 October 2018 at 2:10 AM

    Chargefox unveils Australia’s first ultra-rapid EV charger – powered by solar and battery
    by Sophie Vorrath on 25 October 2018 at 2:02 AM



Subscribe to the free daily newsletter

Live Australia Electricity Generation Data

Trending
post-image
The anti-wind and anti-solar garbage fit to print in Murdoch media
post-image
Musk hails breakthrough quarter as Tesla redefines future of transport
post-image
GreenSync opens exchange to harness rooftop solar and storage
post-image
SA-Best calls for wind farm ban, as it seeks to rekindle health concerns
post-image
Australian business urged to join global embrace of 100% renewables
Upcoming Events

RE Jobs Board

    About RenewEconomy
    Contact Us
    Merchandise
    Jobs Board

    Donate
    Glossary
    Advertise
    Press Releases
    Governments & Companies

Subscribe to the free daily newsletter

@ Copyright RenewEconomy 2018. All rights reserved.