The Australian Government is currently calling for applications for the Emerging Renewables Program.
About the program
The Emerging Renewables Program provides support for the development of renewable energy and enabling technologies in Australia across the innovation chain.
The $126 million program is funded by the Australian Government and is administered by the Australian Centre for Renewable Energy (ACRE).
Successful applicants
ACRE Projects
ACRE Measures
Timeline
On 8 August 2011, the Minister for Resources, Energy and Tourism, the Hon Martin Ferguson AM MP launched the program and released the program guidelines.
Applicants may apply at any time as there are no cut off dates or set funding rounds (dependent on the availability of Program funds).
Commencement of the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA)
The Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) will consolidate administration of $3.2 billion in Government support for renewable energy technology currently administered by the Department of Resources, Energy and Tourism, the Australian Centre for Renewable Energy (ACRE) and the Australian Solar Institute. ARENA will commence operations from 1 July 2012.
ARENA will have an independent, decision making board (the Board) consisting of the Secretary of the Department of Resources, Energy and Tourism and 6 members appointed by the Minister for Resources and Energy.
Any new Emerging Renewables Program applications received before 1 July 2012 may not be considered by the ACRE Board and if not, will be considered by the ARENA Board after 1 July 2012.
The Department will contact existing Emerging Renewables Program applicants to advise the assessment status of their application and the process going forward.
Grants and funding
The program is merit-based and provides grants in two funding categories:
ACRE Projects:
For renewable energy and enabling technologies and products as they move through the technology innovation chain, or projects that support renewable energy technology projects along the innovation chain.
The application process for ACRE Projects is undertaken in two phases:
Phase one—applicants submit an Expression of Interest (EOI).
Phase two—selected EOI applicants that satisfy the merit criteria to a very high standard are invited to submit a Project Funding Application.
ACRE Measures:
For renewable energy industry capacity building activity, renewable energy industry development activity or a preparatory activity for an ACRE Project.
The application process for an ACRE Measure involves one phase. Applicants submit an ACRE Measure Application to be considered for funding. There is no second phase for ACRE Measures.
How to apply for the Emerging Renewables Program
To apply for Emerging Renewables Program, applicants must:
- Read the Emerging Renewables Program—Administrative Guidelines and the Emerging Renewables Program—Information Guide (see Related documents) to understand the requirements of the program. Applicants should consider whether they meet the eligibility criteria and the likelihood of their application being assessed against the merit criteria to a very high standard.
- Decide to apply for the ACRE Projects or ACRE Measures funding category.
- Follow the instructions for how to apply:
All applicants are encouraged to clarify any questions they may have about the program or the application process with the Emerging Renewables Program team as they prepare their EOI/application.
The ACRE Board undertakes a detailed merit assessment of submissions, forwarding recommendations about successful application to the Minister for funding consideration.
Successful applicants are required to enter into a Funding Agreement with the Commonwealth of Australia. Existing Funding Agreements between applicants and the Commonwealth will be transferred to ARENA on 1 July 2012. Each Funding Agreement will incorporate details of the specific ACRE Project or ACRE Measure and its milestones.
Related documents
More information
For more information about the Emerging Renewables Program contact the Emerging Renewables Program team:
Email: emerging.renewables@ret.gov.au
Phone: (02) 6243 7054
For information about the program launch, see the Minister's Media Release.