From research to large-scale deployment, ARENA funding spans the entire innovation chain. We accelerate the affordability of new technologies and build investor confidence in renewable energy projects now and into the future.
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Current funding opportunities
We have a number of opportunities available for funding applications. Both our programs and funding priorities allow us to provide advice, suitability and guidance on your proposal.
Choose from the relevant opportunity below and follow the application instructions step by step.
Advancing Renewables |
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Advancing renewablesDevelopment, demonstration and pre-commercial deployment projects.
Classification: Program
Status: Open
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Commercialisation of R&D Funding Initiative Pilot |
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Commercialisation of R&D Funding Initiative PilotThis initiative has been designed to be delivered in conjunction with the CSIRO’s ON Prime program.
Classification: Pilot
Available: Open
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Research and development |
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Research and developmentRenewable energy technologies that will increase commercial deployment within Australia.
Classification: Program
Status: Subject to availability of competitive rounds
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Renewable Energy Venture Capital Fund |
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Renewable Energy Venture Capital FundRenewable Energy Venture Capital Fund Program fosters skills and management capability. It encourages investment in innovative Australian renewable energy companies to strengthen their chance of success.
Classification: Program
Status: Ongoing
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Innovation Fund |
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Innovation FundEmerging Australian technologies & businesses that can accelerate Australia’s transition to a renewable energy economy.
Classification: Program
Status: Ongoing
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Past funding opportunities
The following ARENA funding opportunities are now closed for new applications.
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Past opportunities listing
International Engagement Program (IEP)
International Engagement Program (IEP) – enhancing Australia’s global knowledge of renewable energy technologies to advance innovation.Classification: ProgramAvailable: ClosedAccelerated Step Change Initiative (ASCI)
ARENA’s Accelerated Step Change Initiative (ASCI) supported exceptional, breakthrough projects that were not otherwise eligible under existing ARENA funding programs.Classification: ProgramAvailable: ClosedRegional Australia’s Renewables
Renewable energy solutions, including hybrid systems, in regional and remote locations with the aim of increasing the use of these technologies for power generation once they become affordable.Classification: ProgramAvailable: ClosedMore information:Regional Australia’s Renewables – Community (CARRE)Through CARRE, ARENA worked collaboratively with key regional energy suppliers and distributors to assess, plan, fund, and share results from a portfolio of practical, replicable renewable energy projects across communities.Regional Australia’s Renewables – Industry (I-RAR)I-RAR supported projects that demonstrate renewable energy solutions, including hybrid and integrated systems in remote, off-grid or fringe-of-grid locations, especially where renewable energy is close to being cost competitive.
Inherited programs and projects
When ARENA was established on 1 July 2012, we took responsibility for programs and projects originally managed by the former Australian Centre for Renewable Energy, the Department of Resources, Energy and Tourism, and the Australian Solar Institute.
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Inherited programs listing
The Australian centre for Renewable Energy (ACRE)
ACRE was established in 2009 to promote the development, commercialisation and deployment of renewable energy and enabling technologies and improve their competitiveness in Australia. It managed over $690 million of funding committed to support renewable energy and enabling technology development.Classification: ProgramAvailable: ClosedMore information:ACRE was incorporated into ARENA on 1 July 2012, and the following ACRE programs became the responsibility of ARENA:– Emerging Renewables Program
– Renewable Energy Venture Capital Fund
– Support for Advanced BiofuelsARENA also inherited a number of projects that ACRE had managed under legacy programs including the Renewable Energy Demonstration Program, the Geothermal Drilling Program and the Low Emissions Technology Demonstration Fund.Department of Resources, Energy and Tourism
ARENA assumed responsibility for projects under the following programs managed by the former Department of Resources, Energy and Tourism.
Second Generation Biofuels Research and Development (Gen 2) Program: A competitive grants program that supported the research, development and demonstration of new biofuel technologies and feedstocks to address the sustainable development of a biofuels industry in Australia.Solar Flagships Program: The Solar Flagships Program was established in December 2009 to support the construction and demonstration of large-scale, grid-connected solar power stations in Australia. The program supported solar power playing a significant role in Australia’s electricity supply and operating within a competitive electricity market.Classification: ProgramAvailable: ClosedAustralian Solar Institute
The Australian Solar Institute (ASI) operated from August 2009 before being merged into ARENA on 31 December 2012. ASI developed a portfolio approaching $450 million in value from the initial $150 million, supporting over 350 solar researchers across more than 120 projects.Classification: ProgramAvailable: Closed