About the programs
The Australian Government supports the production, distribution and use of alternative transport fuels through concessional fuel tax settings and a number of programs.
The Department of Resources, Energy and Tourism (RET) administers the Ethanol Production Grants (EPG) program. The EPG program is an eligibility-based program that aims to encourage the use of biofuels in transport in Australia.
Additional programs that directly relate to alternative transport fuels and are run by other Australian Government agencies include:
Energy Grants (Cleaner Fuels) Scheme
The Energy Grants (Cleaner Fuels) Scheme is a grants scheme implemented by the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) that encourages the manufacture or importation of fuels that have a reduced impact on the environment.
LPG Vehicle Scheme
The LPG Vehicle Scheme provides grants for the LPG conversion of a registered motor vehicle or the purchase of a new vehicle fitted with LPG prior to first registration, subject to eligibility criteria. The scheme is implemented by AusIndustry on behalf of the Department of Innovation, Industry, Science, Research and Tertiary Education (DIISRTE).
Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA)
The Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) is a new independent agency designed to incorporate measures currently managed by the Australian Solar Institute (ASI), the Australian Centre for Renewable Energy (ACRE), and the Department of Resources, Energy and Tourism. ARENA was established on 1 July 2012.
- Advanced Biofuels Investment Readiness (ABIR) program
The ABIR program is a competitive one-stage, merit-based program that offers grant funding to selected projects undertaking activities that build the investment case for significant and scalable pre-commercial demonstration projects for the production of high energy, drop-in advanced biofuels in Australia. The ABIR program is administered by ARENA.
The Australian Government's Clean Energy Future package also contains a number of programs and initiatives that may be relevant to the development of alternative transport fuels or vehicles that use alternative transport fuels.
More information
For more information about the Australian Government's alternative fuel programs follow the linked program names above.
More information about the Clean Energy Future programs and initiatives is available at the Clean Energy Future website.