Funding Opportunities
We have a number of opportunities available for funding applications. 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. Funding applications should align to our ARENA's strategic priorities.
- Advancing Renewables Program (ARP)
ARP supports a range of development, demonstration and pre-commercial deployment projects. This includes opportunities to optimise the transition to renewable electricity, commercialise clean hydrogen and support the transition to low emissions metals.
- Sustainable Aviation Fuel Funding Initiative
On 3 July 2023, we announced the Sustainable Aviation Fuel Funding Initiative of up to $30 million to support the development of a sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) industry with production from renewable feedstocks in Australia.
- Powering the Regions Industrial Transformation Stream
In the 2023-24 Federal Budget, the Australian Government announced $400 million for the Industrial Transformation Stream to be administered by ARENA under the Powering the Regions Fund.
- Hydrogen Headstart
In the 2023-24 Federal Budget, the Australian Government announced the establishment of Hydrogen Headstart, a $2 billion revenue support program to support large scale renewable hydrogen.
- Driving the Nation Program
The Driving the Nation Program is an ongoing program developed to enable the demonstration and deployment of new zero emissions vehicle technologies.
- Industrial Energy Transformation Studies (IETS) Program
The IETS Program, announced as part of the 2020-21 Federal Budget, aims to identify opportunities to reduce energy costs and emissions in the industrial sector.
- Regional Microgrids Program
The Regional Microgrid Program (RMP) support the development and deployment of renewable energy microgrids across rural and regional Australia.
- Innovation Fund
Emerging Australian technologies & businesses that can accelerate Australia’s transition to a renewable energy economy.
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.
- Iron and Steel Research and Development Funding Round
On 13 April 2023, we announced the Iron and Steel R&D Funding Round of up to $25 million to support research and development activities in low emissions iron and steel production.
- Hydrogen Research and Development Funding Round
On 13 April 2023, we announced the Hydrogen R&D Funding Round of up to $25 million to support research and development activities in renewable hydrogen production, storage and distribution.
- Community Batteries Funding Round 1
On 4 April 2023, we announced the Community Batteries Funding Round 1 of up to $120 million to deploy community batteries across Australia.
- Ultra Low Cost Solar PV Research and Development
We are allocating up to $40 million to support the research and commercialisation of Ultra Low Cost Solar PV (ULCS) technologies.
- German-Australian Hydrogen Innovation and Technology Incubator (HyGATE)
HyGATE is one of three major initiatives developed as part of the Declaration of Intent between the Government of Australia and the Government of Germany on the Australia-Germany Hydrogen Accord.
- Future Fuels Fund Round 1
The Future Fuels Fund Round 1 aims to address barriers to the roll out of new vehicle technologies.
- Research and Development
Renewable energy technologies that will increase commercial deployment within Australia.
- Renewable Hydrogen Deployment Funding Round
ARENA is providing up to $70 million in funding to support the acceleration of hydrogen in Australia through the Renewable Hydrogen Deployment Funding Round.
- Renewable Energy Venture Capital Fund (REVC)
REVC fosters skills and management capability. It encourages investment in innovative Australian renewable energy companies to strengthen their chance of success.
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.
- Large Scale Battery Storage
We announced the Large Scale Battery Storage Funding Round of up to $100 million to accelerate demonstration of advanced inverter capabilities on battery projects at scale.
- Commercialisation of R&D Funding Initiative Pilot
This initiative has been designed to be delivered in conjunction with the CSIRO’s ON Prime program.
- System Security
ARENA is allocating up to $7 million of funding towards activities focused on the provision of power system security and strength services from innovative methods or technologies that are non-traditional sources of those services.
- Addressing Solar PV End-of-Life Issues and Lowering Solar PV Cost
Supporting R&D to address end-of-life issues for solar PV panels, as well as lowering their cost.
- Short Term Forecasting Funding Round
Activities focused on 5-minute ahead self-forecasting for wind and solar farms operating in the NEM.
- Distributed Energy Resources
Pilot projects and studies to integrate distributed energy resources into the electricity system.
- Demand Response
Managing electricity supply during extreme peaks.
- Large-Scale Solar
Supporting further cost reduction in large-scale solar PV.
- Renewable Hydrogen for Export
Developing a potential renewable energy export supply chain, centred around hydrogen and related carrier materials.
- Solar Research & Development
Reducing the cost and improving the efficiency of solar PV.
- 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.
- Solar Research Excellence
Promoting excellence in solar research and build on Australia’s reputation for delivering world-leading photovoltaic and concentrating solar thermal technologies.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Accelerated Step Change Initiative (ASCI)
Supporting exceptional, breakthrough projects that were not otherwise eligible under existing ARENA funding programs.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Post Fellowship Doctorate
The Post Fellowship Doctorate is a legacy funding program.