Capral Aluminium and SunDrive Solar have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding to explore the development of a supply partnership focused on advancing sustainability and developing a resilient local supply chain within Australia’s solar industry. This collaboration aims to enhance the competitiveness of domestic solar module production while significantly reducing its environmental impact.
Founded in 1936, Capral Aluminium is Australia’s largest manufacturer and distributor of aluminium products, serving sectors such as construction, automotive, marine, and increasingly, the renewable energy industry. With a nationwide presence across manufacturing and distribution facilities, Capral is the country’s leading supplier of aluminium products and a trusted partner for industries committed to sustainable development.
Since its inception in 2015, SunDrive Solar has been at the forefront of solar cell innovation, developing advanced technologies to improve solar module efficiency and sustainability. With a vision to develop and advance Australia’s solar manufacturing capabilities, SunDrive aims to foster opportunities for local solar supply chain development and contribute to economic growth and diversification.
The cornerstone of this agreement is the shared intention to create a domestic supply chain that reduces dependency on international suppliers. By sourcing aluminium locally from Capral, SunDrive aims to increase the stability and reliability of its production processes, mitigating risks associated with global supply chain disruptions. Reflecting on this vision, Natalie Malligan, CEO of SunDrive, stated:
"Our commitment to exploring and fostering a strong, local supply chain is at the core of our vision for the future of solar manufacturing in Australia. The opportunity to source local and low-carbon aluminium through Capral has the potential to not only support Australian jobs and businesses but create a unique, Australian product that supports Australian jobs and enhance the resilience and sustainability of our production process."
At the heart of this collaboration is a shared commitment to sustainability. Capral’s LocAL® low-carbon aluminium, introduced in 2022, has positioned the company as an industry leader in providing sustainable, extruded aluminium products for Australian manufacturers. Capral’s recent partnerships with primary aluminium suppliers offering materials with a minimum of 20% recycled content further enhance its sustainability credentials. Capral has successfully trialled the use of this recycled material in its extrusion plants, presenting an exciting opportunity for SunDrive to incorporate these sustainable materials into its solar modules.
Additionally, Capral is Australia’s only Aluminium Stewardship Initiative (ASI) certified extruder, demonstrating its commitment to responsible sourcing and sustainable practices across the aluminium supply chain. This certification assures SunDrive that Capral’s processes meet stringent environmental, social, and governance (ESG) standards, from raw material procurement to production, providing a robust foundation for their partnership.
For every manufacturing job, three-and-a-half additional jobs are supported in the supply chain, highlighting the multiplier effect of a strong local sector. By fostering a local solar manufacturing industry, there is potential to create secure, well-paid jobs that benefit local communities and drive economic growth. Cost competitiveness is essential for long-term viability, and both businesses recognise a coordinated local supply chain will be crucial for delivering high-quality, affordable products that can compete globally.
Both parties bring a strong emphasis on the opportunity of further research and development (R&D) with joint initiatives aimed at improving the performance and durability of aluminium products for solar applications. This focus on innovation has the potential to lead to advanced solutions that further enhance solar module efficiency and support the evolving needs of the renewable energy sector.
Mark Murray, Sales and Market Manager – Industrial Solutions for Capral, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership:
"We’re excited about the future with SunDrive. We truly believe in supporting their ambitions for domestic manufacturing and supply chains. We’re committed to exploring advanced manufacturing and automation solutions to meet the growing demands for SunDrive’s and Trina Solar’s modules, ensuring we remain competitive in the global market."
This partnership underscores the importance of local supply chains and sustainable practices in driving Australia’s renewable energy transition. By combining Capral’s expertise in sustainable aluminium manufacturing with SunDrive’s innovative solar technology, the two companies can set a benchmark for the industry.
This partnership is contingent on SunDrive Solar securing support under ARENA’s Solar Sunshot program, which is critical to advancing this joint initiative. Achieving a viable and cost-competitive local supply chain will require not only project-specific support but also sustained, long-term policy coordination and investment to strengthen Australia’s manufacturing capabilities and ensure global competitiveness.
Together, Capral Aluminium and SunDrive Solar are poised to power Australia’s future, demonstrating how strategic partnerships can foster long-term growth, sustainability, and local industry development in the renewable energy sector.
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