Businesses and organisations developing renewable energy technologies continue to have access to Australian Renewable Energy Agency funding through the Advancing Renewables Program, an ongoing initiative supporting projects from development through to pre commercial deployment.
Unlike programs with fixed application windows, the Advancing Renewables Program accepts applications on a continuing basis until available funding is exhausted or the program is closed or extended at ARENA’s discretion. Applications are assessed regularly according to the volume of proposals received.
The program focuses on projects involving renewable energy technologies or enabling technologies that increase the supply of, or improve the competitiveness of, renewable energy in Australia. Current investment areas include ultra low cost solar, optimising the transition to renewable electricity, commercialising clean hydrogen, supporting the transition to low emissions metals and decarbonising transport.
Projects must demonstrate commercial potential
ARENA’s program is intended for technologies that have progressed beyond the earliest stages of research. While projects may include research components, they must form part of a broader program focused on technology development, demonstration, deployment or commercialisation. Early stage research and student education or training activities are not eligible.
According to the program guidelines, funded projects are expected to contribute to one or more outcomes, including reducing the cost of renewable energy, increasing the value delivered by renewable energy, improving technology and commercial readiness, removing barriers to renewable energy uptake or building industry skills and knowledge.
Funding generally ranges from $100,000 to $50 million. Applicants are typically expected to contribute funding that matches the amount sought from ARENA, with support provided only at the level required for a project to proceed.
Application process begins before an Expression of Interest
ARENA encourages prospective applicants to engage with the agency before preparing an Expression of Interest. The initial discussion allows proponents to outline their project and receive guidance on its suitability under the program before beginning the formal application process.
Most projects follow a two stage assessment process beginning with an Expression of Interest. Applicants invited to continue are then required to submit a Full Application containing detailed technical, financial and commercial information, together with project planning, risk management and knowledge sharing documentation. Some smaller projects or specific proposal types may be eligible to proceed directly to a Full Application with ARENA’s approval.
Applications are assessed against eligibility requirements before being evaluated on merit. Assessment considers how well a project contributes to the program’s objectives, the capability of the applicant and project partners, project design, financial viability, co funding commitments and arrangements for sharing knowledge generated through the project.
Knowledge sharing remains a funding requirement
Successful applicants are required to enter into a funding agreement that includes a Knowledge Sharing Plan. The plan sets out how information, data and lessons generated during the project will be collected, managed and made available to industry and the broader community.
Applicants must also demonstrate ownership or access to the intellectual property needed to deliver their project, address modern slavery obligations, disclose climate performance information where required and satisfy a range of governance and compliance requirements outlined in the program guidelines.
With renewable energy, clean hydrogen, low emissions metals and transport decarbonisation all identified as investment priorities, the continuing application process provides businesses with flexibility to seek funding when projects have matured to a stage suitable for commercial assessment rather than waiting for a dedicated funding round.
