Australian Government has legislated the 20 per cent by 2020 expanded Renewable Energy Target and is investing $5 billion through the Clean Energy Initiative to support the development of clean energy and energy efficiency technologies.
The Clean Energy Initiative (CEI) consists of:
The Carbon Capture and Storage Flagships Program that supports the construction and demonstration of large scale integrated carbon capture and storage projects in Australia, which may include gasification, post-combustion capture, oxy-firing, transport and storage technologies. Complementing this program is the National Low Emissions Coal Initiative and National CO2 Infrastructure Plan, which aim to accelerate the development and deployment of capture and storage technologies that will reduce emissions from coal use.
The Solar Flagships Program supports the construction and demonstration of large scale, grid connected solar power stations in Australia. In addition, the Government has established the Australian Solar Institute (ASI), which aims to increase the cost-effectiveness of solar technologies and accelerate the capacity of solar industries in Australia.
The Australian Centre for Renewable Energy (ACRE), which will promote the development, commercialisation and deployment of renewable technologies through a commercial investment approach. ACRE funding will be used to establish the Australian Biofuels Research Institute (ABRI). ACRE will also manage grants awarded under the following programs:
The Renewable Energy Future Fund, announced as part of the 2010 Budget, provides funding for a range of CEI programs.
Further details on the Clean Energy Initiative can be found in the Clean Energy Initiative Overview factsheet [
PDF, 105KB |
DOC, 1.5MB].