Renewable energy is produced using natural resources that are constantly replaced and never run out.
Just as there are many natural sources of energy, there are many renewable energy technologies.
Renewable energy types
Common technologies
- Solar is one of the most well known
- Wind power is most widespread
- Hydropower is one of the oldest.
Energy harnessing technologies
Grid strengthening technologies
- Battery storage
- Smart technology predicts when and where electricity is required.
How are we making a difference?
We have the expertise, deep understanding of the renewable energy sector and willingness to fund innovative and ground-breaking projects.
This empowers us to provide a pathway to commercialisation for many new technologies and businesses that would otherwise struggle to get off the ground or be potentially lost to overseas markets. We also:
- Actively identify and troubleshoot issues arising from the energy transition – from technological and commercial issues to regulatory and market barriers, and provide funding for projects that help solve these issues,
- Undertake research and inform policy decisions, we bring together people from across the energy sector, government, startups & universities to collaborate and share knowledge.
Our impact
Infographic: ARENA at a Glance
Learn about the scale of our investment since 2012 using our interactive dashboard.
Brochure: Our investment in Regional Australia (PDF 3MB)
We have worked hard to support more than 600 projects — including renewable energy research, technologies and businesses.
Video: Accelerating Australia’s Shift to Renewable Energy
Our funding is helping to launch a renewable hydrogen industry, supporting industry to reduce emissions, and bringing people together to share their knowledge.
What is happening in the energy sector?
The energy sector is undergoing a profound and complex transformation as the shift to renewable energy gathers momentum.
Transitioning the electricity system to deal with an increasing share of renewables and different ways of operating is challenging, but it presents many opportunities to help businesses manage their energy costs, as well as capture new sources of growth.
Electricity is only one component of the energy transition. Other sectors such as transport, heavy industry and the built environment are crucial in the pursuit of lower emissions and in ensuring Australia meets its international commitments.
There are many scenarios for the transition to a low emissions economy but technological development and innovation are part of almost every scenario.
Which projects do we invest in?
We invest in projects to to improve the competitiveness of renewable energy technologies and increase the supply of renewable energy through innovation that benefits Australian consumers and businesses.
We find Australia’s best ideas and connect them with the resources they need to help power the nation’s future.
This is achieved by funding projects, sharing knowledge and supporting networks to drive ideas and bring renewable technologies to market.
Our Investment Plan outlines our current priorities and what we want to achieve.
Read more
Find out more how we are influencing the following types of renewable energy initiatives:
Our investment priorities
Australia is encouraging innovation and new technologies and ARENA has a major role to play in supporting the companies and institutions that are building our future energy system. Our investment priorities are derived from our funding and investment plans and address key areas that can help create a smooth transition to renewables.
ARENAWIRE Blogs
Low-cost recycling technology for solar PV
It’s one of the vexed questions about the burgeoning solar PV industry: what happens to the panels when they reach the end of their working life? A new report has some important answers.
RayGen aim to making dispatchable solar a reality
Some might say it’s a solar energy unicorn. RayGen’s unique power plant promises to generate dispatchable electricity even when the sun is not shining.
Born again: Can fossil fuel generators gain a second life?
A new report examines whether old fossil fuel electricity generators can be repurposed to perform a vital role in stabilising the renewable energy electricity network.
