Our purpose
ARENA is the Australian Renewable Energy Agency.
We were established by the Australian Government on 1 July 2012.
We support the global transition to net zero emissions by accelerating the pace of pre-commercial innovation, to the benefit of Australian consumers, businesses and workers.
Our purpose is to support improvements in the competitiveness of renewable energy and enabling technologies, increase the supply of renewable energy in Australia, and to facilitate the achievement of Australia’s greenhouse gas emissions targets by providing financial assistance and sharing knowledge to accelerate innovation that benefits all Australians.
Expertise
Since 2012, we have supported 663 projects with $2.25 billion in grant funding, unlocking a total investment of almost $9.75 billion in Australia’s renewable energy industry.
Our expertise, deep understanding of the renewable energy sector and willingness to fund innovative and ground-breaking projects mean we provide a pathway to commercialisation for many new technologies and businesses that would otherwise struggle to get off the ground or be potentially lost to overseas markets. We help them get on with the business of renewables.
Learn more
Infographic: ARENA at a Glance
Learn about the scale of our investment since 2012 using our interactive dashboard.
Video: Accelerating Australia’s Shift to Renewable Energy
Our funding is helping to launch a renewable hydrogen industry, supporting industry to reduce emissions, and bringing people together to share their knowledge.
Brochure: Our investment in Regional Australia (PDF 3MB)
We have worked hard to support more than 500 projects — including renewable energy research, technologies and businesses.
Report – Evaluation of ARENA’s Impact and Effectiveness
Our objectives under the Australian Renewable Energy Agency Act 2011
Work
A key part of our work is to build knowledge that can be shared openly to help industry and government better navigate the energy transition.
Information and ‘lessons learned’ also help to:
- de-risk follow-on projects,
- accelerate deployment of safe and commercially viable technologies,
- increase public understanding and confidence in new technologies, and
- support capability development.
Impact
Our impact is demonstrated in how we are ensuring the private sector has the right tools, technology options and business models to deliver secure and reliable renewable energy.
We undertake research and inform policy decisions, we bring together people from across the energy sector, government, startups and universities to collaborate with one another, and share their knowledge.
Read more
ARENAWIRE Blogs
Dispatch from Dubai: Experts weigh in on the role of innovation
“We’ve got to unlock our renewable energy force. It’s a beast we can awaken.”
Dispatch from Dubai: why Anna Freeman is ‘going home with a sense of urgency’ after COP28
ARENA met with Anna Freeman, Director of Decarbonisation Policy for the Clean Energy Council (CEC) at the Mohammed bin Rashid Solar Park, the biggest solar farm in the world, to discuss her agenda after COP28, the key role electrification plays in Australia’s renewables story and gender equality.
Solar and wind power ahead
Solar and wind generation exceed household demand in Australia as transition gathers pace.
