Regional Microgrids Program
- 1 Step 1 - Reading the Program Guidelines
- 2 Step 2 - Observe the key dates
- 3 Step 3 - Prepare your response
Background
The Regional Microgrids Program (the Program) seeks to support the development and deployment of renewable energy microgrids across regional Australia that contribute to the Program Outcomes.
ARENA has allocated funding across two Streams under the Program, and each Stream has its own Outcomes.
Regional Australia Microgrid Pilots (Stream A)
The aim of Stream A is to fund Projects that contribute to the following Outcomes:
- Innovation and/or acceleration of the development and deployment of equipment and technology solutions that enable the coordinated use of distributed renewable energy technologies.
- Improved resilience and reliability of electricity supply in regional areas.
- Resolving one or more of the remaining barriers to deployment of microgrid solutions.
First Nations Community Microgrids (Stream B)
The aim of Stream B is to fund Projects that contribute to the following Outcomes:
- Reduced cost of energy and other community benefits in First Nations Communities.
- Cleaner and more reliable energy in First Nations Communities.
- First Nations Communities are empowered to participate in their electricity supply arrangements and the development of energy infrastructure.
- Resolving one or more of the remaining barriers to deployment of microgrid solutions.
How it works
The Program Guidelines detail the process we will use to fund projects under the Program. Funding is available until the Final Submission Date, or until funds are exhausted. The expected grant size under each Stream can be found under item 1.16 of the Program Guidelines, and Applicants seeking grant amounts outside the expected ranges will need to demonstrate exemplary merit with very broad industry benefit.
Funding Guidelines
Webinar
Questions
Have a question? Refer to the Frequently Asked Questions document above in the first instance. If your question is not answered in the FAQ document email microgrids@arena.gov.au.
Further reading
- ARENA Media Release
- ARENA Knowledge Bank: Off grid
- Reconciling Indigenous communities with the clean energy revolution
- Clean Energy Council – A Guide to Benefit Sharing Options for Renewable Energy Projects
Key Dates
Key dates for the Program are outlined below. For more details, refer to the Program Guidelines.
- Application Open Date: Friday, 25 August 2023
- Final Submission Date: Friday, 19 December 2025
The dates represent the current timetable for the Program. ARENA retains the right to amend proposed timelines and stages of the Program at its discretion.
Expression of Interest
Applicants submitting an expression of interest are required to submit a project plan (maximum 20 pages) and complete the project budget template. Please see the Program Guidelines for further information.
Note: Please ensure you have spoken with an ARENA representative before submitting your Expression of Interest.
Full application
Applicants who are successful at the EOI stage will be invited to submit a Full Application.
Refer to the Program 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.
- Funding Agreement Template (PDF)
- Funding Agreement Template (DOCX)
- Funding Agreement Compliance Table (DOCX)
- Risk Management Plan ARENA Template (DOCX 94KB) – applicants can use own template if preferred
- Project Budget and Sources and Uses Template (XLS 27KB)
