How to apply for funding

Step 1 - Read the program guidelines

  • Background

    Industrial transformation at ARENA is intended to support the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions related to industrial activity. A range of technology solutions targeting industrial emissions abatement may be supported, from electrification and energy efficiency to fuel switching and zero emissions vehicles.  Enabling technologies such as energy storage, demand management and critical infrastructure supporting onsite decarbonisation will also be considered. Projects can range from studies to scale demonstration and deployment. 

    ARENA has two programs relevant to industrial transformation: 

    • The $400 million Industrial Transformation Stream (which is a stream under the $1.9 billion Powering the Regions Fund) and  
    • The $40 million National Industrial Transformation Program.

    See the guide below for further explanation on the two programs:
    Which Industrial Decarbonisation Program Is Right For Me (PDF 128 KB)

    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

    Funding will be deployed in a series of rounds, each supported by a set of focus areas outlining the targeted projects being sought by ARENA. The ITS Program is ongoing and will accept applications that contribute to the Program objectives and align with active ITS Focus Areas.  

    Round 1 Focus Areas 

    Open since November 2023, ARENA has allocated $150 million toward the Round 1 Focus Areas for: 

    • Supporting the decarbonisation of process heat used in industrial processes; and 
    • Off-road transport decarbonisation. 


    Guidelines     

    The ITS Guidelines describe the requirements that must be met to submit an eligible application and the process used to assess merit. Assessment typically involves a two-stage application process (an Expression of Interest (EOI) application and a Full Application).  

    Funding Agreement 

    ARENA agrees to provide funding in accordance with the terms of the relevant ARENA Funding Agreement (see ‘Prepare your response’). 

    Public information sessions 

    More information 

    Further information on the program can be found via email: industrialtransformation@arena.gov.au.

Step 2: Observe the key dates

  • The ITS Program is an open, ongoing program which will run until 2027 or until funds are exhausted or otherwise terminated or extended at ARENA’s discretion. Any updates to active Focus Areas will be published on ARENAs’ website. 

    ITS Focus Areas – Round 1 ($150 million) 

    • Start date: 13 November 2023 
    • Application open date: 30th November 2023 (via ARENANet) 
    • Closing date: Round 1 Focus Areas are expected to remain open for a minimum of 12 months, dependent on market need. 

    ARENA reserves the right to increase or decrease the amount of funding, and closing date, for the Round 1 Focus Areas.  

    Focus Areas for Round 2 are expected to be announced prior to January 2025. 

    You may submit an application at any time while a round remains open. Applications will be assessed on a regular basis as driven by pipeline volume.  

    To receive a notification for the opening of online submissions, or other Program updates and / or propose a Project concept, please register your interest below:

    Register

    You are strongly encouraged to contact ARENA at industrialtransformation@arena.gov.au to discuss your proposal as funding will only be available until the respective Focus Area is closed or funding exhausted (with any updates at ARENA’s discretion).

Step 3: Prepare your response
Print Friendly, PDF & Email
Back to top