Funding Opportunities

Current

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.

As at 30 June 2020, ARENA had total funds available to commit to new projects of approximately $88 million. ARENA’s pipeline of projects currently exceeds this amount and whilst not all of the projects in the pipeline will be successful in seeking funding, it is expected that ARENA’s funds will be fully committed by the end of 2020.

Closed

These funding opportunities are no longer accepting applications. Successful projects will be publicly announced at a later date and when available, can be found by visiting our newsroom.

Past

These funding opportunities are no longer accepting applications. Click on the relevant opportunity to learn more about the program and its successful applicants, or stay up-to-date with information about our Projects and Knowledge Bank.

  • Short Term Forecasting Funding Round

    Activities focused on 5-minute ahead self-forecasting for wind and solar farms operating in the NEM.

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    • Funds allocated: $10m
    • Status: Past
  • Distributed Energy Resources

    Pilot projects and studies to integrate distributed energy resources into the electricity system.

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    • Funds allocated: $12.5m
    • Status: Past
  • Demand Response

    Managing electricity supply during extreme peaks.

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    • Funds allocated: $37.5m
    • Status: Past
  • Large-Scale Solar

    Supporting further cost reduction in large-scale solar PV.

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    • Status: Past
  • Renewable Hydrogen for Export

    Developing a potential renewable energy export supply chain, centred around hydrogen and related carrier materials.

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    • Funds allocated: $22.1m
    • Status: Past
  • Solar Research & Development

    Reducing the cost and improving the efficiency of solar PV.

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    • Funds allocated: $29.2m
    • Status: Past
  • Industry and Researcher Collaboration

    Supporting collaboration between industry and the research sector focused on innovative renewable energy technologies that integrate renewable energy into networks, buildings and industrial processes.

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    • Funds allocated: $17m
    • Status: Past
  • Solar Research Excellence

    Promoting excellence in solar research and build on Australia’s reputation for delivering world-leading photovoltaic and concentrating solar thermal technologies.

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    • Funds allocated: $21.5m
    • Status: Past
  • International Engagement Program

    Supporting Australian representation and access to global forums, which are dedicated to creating and sharing knowledge on renewable energy research, deployment, markets, policies and regulations.

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    • Funds allocated: $4.8m
    • Status: Past
  • Emerging Renewables Program

    Supporting a broad range of development, demonstration and early stage deployment projects to lower the cost and increase the use of renewable energy technologies in Australia.

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    • Status: Past
  • Regional Australia’s Renewables

    Supporting trials of 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.

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    • Status: Past
  • Accelerated Step Change Initiative (ASCI)

    Supporting exceptional, breakthrough projects that were not otherwise eligible under existing ARENA funding programs.

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    • Status: Past
  • 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.

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    • Funds allocated: $690m+
    • Status: Past
  • 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.

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    • Status: Past
  • Australian 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.

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    • Funds allocated: $150m
    • Status: Past
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Recently funded projects

Image - Tesla powerwall to be installed as part of the Tesla Virtual Power Plant project

Tesla Virtual Power Plant

With the support of the South Australian Government, Tesla and electricity retailer Energy Locals are developing South Australia’s Virtual Power Plant.

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Image - Uterne Solar Farm

Alice Springs Future Grid Project

The Alice Springs Future Grid project will focus on addressing barriers to further renewable energy penetration in the local electricity network.

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Image - Hydrogen energy supply chain

Project GERI Feasibility Study

The Geraldton Export-Scale Renewable Investment (GERI) Feasibility Study will explore the potential for developing a green hydrogen and ammonia production supply chain.

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Image - Solcast Nowcaster

Gridded Renewables Nowcasting Demonstration over South Australia

Solcast will develop a proof of concept demonstration of a forecasting tool which will track and predict renewable energy output over South Australia in real time.

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Image - Logan City Biosolids plant

The Hazer Process: Commercial Demonstration Plant

The Hazer Commercial Demonstration Plant will demonstrate Hazer’s proprietary hydrogen production technology, which converts biogas from sewage treatment into hydrogen and graphite.

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