Storage of renewable energy is essential to ensure access to affordable energy as we transition to net zero carbon emissions. Australia and Indonesia are similarly endowed with critical minerals that are currently important for the manufacture of battery cells that are prominent in electric vehicles (EV’s) and the storage of renewable energy. The purpose of this study was to explore the bilateral capabilities throughout the energy storage value chain and identify opportunities for meaningful collaborations and partnerships that are amidst and beyond critical minerals. Australia and Indonesia are geographically and strategically placed to play a leading role in a regional energy transition, but this will require bold imagination, coordination, and greater goodwill for strategic collaborations and partnerships that will accelerate technologies and industries for the energy transition.

The background impetus to this study was the convergence of major investments by the Asian Development Bank in the development of research and innovation capabilities at the science and technology parks of Indonesia’s four leading universities, significant high-level government representations for Australia and Indonesia to establish partnerships around critical minerals and battery industries, and submissions of Nationally Determined Contributions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions that both Australia and Indonesia submitted to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change in 2022 (UNFCCC). Australia and Indonesia had also developed funding mechanisms through a range of programs that include the KONEKSI joint research program, the IA-CEPA Katalis programs, and the ADB Australia Climate Finance Partnership. It was increasingly clear that the contributions of this study could inspire, inform, and promote collaborations and partnerships.