How to apply for funding

Step 1 - Read the program guidelines

  • Background

    The $400 million Industrial Transformation Stream (ITS) is open for applications supporting a range of industrial decarbonisation solutions, including but not limited, to electrification, energy efficiency, low emissions processing and fuel switching. Enabling technologies such as energy storage, demand management and critical infrastructure supporting onsite decarbonisation may also be considered. Funding is guided by the Program Focus Areas.

    About the program

    The objectives of the ITS Program are to:

    • Support industrial facilities in regional Australia to reduce emissions in line with Australia’s 2030 emissions reduction goals and transition to net zero by 2050.
    • Improve technology readiness and commercial readiness of renewable energy technologies, energy efficiency technologies and electrification technologies that will result in a significant reduction in scope 1 and/or scope 2 emissions or improve the energy efficiency of an industrial process or processes.
    • Encourage technology demonstration, collaboration and knowledge sharing across industry and/or regions.
    • Support upskilling of existing industrial workforce in new decarbonisation activities.

    How it works

    The ITS Program is ongoing and will accept applications that contribute to the Program objectives and align with active ITS Focus Areas. The assessment process involves up to two application stages:

    • Expressions of interest; and
    • Full application.

    ARENA can only fund low emissions projects which meet the eligibility criteria defined in the Program Guidelines and which are within ARENAs mandate to support. Before proceeding to Step 2, read the following document:

    Focus areas – Round 3 (Open)

    Opened in September 2025, ARENA has allocated the remaining $180 million of ITS funding towards Round 3. This is an open, ongoing round where ARENA will remain open to new applications until ITS grant funding is exhausted.

    Round 3’s Focus Areas are:

    • Innovation in industrial decarbonisation, and
    • Advancing commercial deployment.

    The Program can support projects ranging from feasibility studies and front-end engineering and design (FEED) to trials, demonstrations and deployment. Two-stage projects combining a study and subsequent deployment will also be considered.

    ARENANet is now open to enquiries for these Focus Areas. Please reach out to ARENA through the Funding Advice form to initiate discussions regarding potential projects.

    Focus areas – Round 2 (Closed)

    ARENA allocated $70 million towards Round 2, which opened in March 2025 and is now closed as of July 2025.

    Focus areas – Round 1 (closed)

    ARENA allocated $150 million to Round 1, which opened in November 2023 and is now closed as of March 2025.

Step 2: Observe the key dates

  • ITS is now open to applications for Round 3 on an open, ongoing basis. Please submit all enquiries for funding under ITS via the Funding Advice form.

    ARENA reserves the right to increase or decrease the amount of funding, and dates associated with Rounds under the ITS Program.

    Funding will be available until funding is exhausted.

Step 3: Prepare your response
  • Enquiry

    All applicants seeking funding under ITS are required to submit an enquiry via our Funding Advice form. Once submitted, one of the ARENA team will review and respond to your enquiry. We may request further information and/or schedule a 1:1 consultation to support assessment of your enquiry.

    Expression of interest

    If your project concept aligns with the ITS’ program objectives and is eligible for funding, ARENA will invite you to submit an application by issuing a link to the application form in ARENANet.

    Requirements for applicants submitting an Expression of Interest are outlined in the ITS Guidelines with further direction provided in the ‘Project Plan Guidance’ document. Refer to items 2.10-2.15 of the ITS Guidelines for further information.

    Applicants submitting an Expression of Interest are required to submit a project plan (maximum 20 pages), conflict of interest declaration, and complete the project budget template.

    Full application

    Applicants who are successful at the EOI stage, or those who are invited by ARENA to proceed straight to the Full Application stage, will be provided a link to the application form in ARENANet.

    Refer to items 2.16-2.18 of the ITS Guidelines for the full list of required attachments that must be included with your application.

    Note: Review the Funding Agreement Template. If you do not agree with clauses or details, record them in the Compliance Table template. If you agree, submit a blank document with your application.

    Reference documents

    Use these documents to assist you with your application:

    Questions

    Please refer to the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) document above in the first instance. If you have further questions, send your queries to industrialtransformation@arena.gov.au

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