Australia is a global leader in clean energy investment, with billions in government funding available for businesses adopting renewable energy, reducing emissions, and building sustainable operations. Programs span solar, battery storage, hydrogen, energy efficiency and grid modernisation — at both state and federal levels.
In Australia (All States), the australian government is the single largest source of business grant funding in australia, with programs spanning every state, sector and business type.
Open programs
83 totalThe Hydrogen Headstart program provides long-term revenue support to underwrite large-scale renewable hydrogen production projects in Australia. Funding is provided in the form of Headstart Production Credits (HPC), offering support per unit of production over a 10-year period of operations. The program aims to accelerate development of Australia's renewable hydrogen industry, support domestic decarbonisation, and help Australia connect to new global hydrogen supply chains.
A $500 million funding program announced in the 2024-2025 Federal Budget to promote the development of battery manufacturing capabilities in Australia. The initiative provides capital grants, production incentives, or other payments to fund projects that enhance Australia's battery manufacturing capability and commercialise battery manufacturing processes and technologies that contribute to emissions reduction.
Through the DRIVEN Program, the Australian Government will provide $60 million to fund the purchase and installation of EV charging units at automotive dealerships and EV repairers across Australia. The program will run over 4 years from 2024-25 to 2027-28. The program was announced as part of the Driving the Nation Fund. The objectives of the program are to: support automotive businesses selling passenger and light commercial vehicles and their role in decarbonising the automotive sector through: selling and repairing a higher proportion of EVs in response to the New Vehicle Efficiency Standard Act 2024 (Cth) increasing the scale and visibility of EV charging units throughout Australia enhancing staff and customer awareness and knowledge of EVs and charging technologies, to support uptake of EVs across Australia. support the automotive sector by: distributing appropriate funding to as many eligible businesses as possible supporting the timely deployment of charging solutions to meet t
This grant supports trade-exposed facilities covered by the Safeguard Mechanism to reduce their emissions and contribute to Australia's 2030, 2035 and 2050 emissions reduction targets. It aims to reduce the risk of carbon leakage and provide skills development to industrial workforces in new equipment or processes that reduce scope 1 emissions.
The program provides advisory services and grants to support SMEs undertaking innovative commercialisation and growth projects in priority manufacturing areas. Eligible businesses receive specialised advice from an Industry Growth Program Adviser, and may then apply for grants ranging from $50,000 to $5 million depending on project stage.
This program provides funding to existing battery manufacturers in Western Australia for projects that scale-up their operations. Eligible uses include purchase of capital equipment, workforce training, premises upgrades, and engaging business or manufacturing expertise to enhance capability, improve competitiveness, and create jobs.
The Clean Energy Future Fund provides funding to Western Australian corporations to undertake innovative clean energy projects that deliver significant greenhouse gas emissions reductions or demonstrate new clean energy technologies with community benefits. Projects must contribute to cost-effective emissions reductions below baseline levels or support the design, deployment, testing, or demonstration of innovative clean energy solutions.
This program supports the development of the Australian Capital Territory as an export-oriented hub for energy transition innovation and investment. Funding is available for new and emerging technologies and ventures across three streams: Technology Demonstration, Policy Challenge, and Innovation Ecosystem grants.
This program provides matched funding to METS (mining equipment, technology and services) companies in Western Australia to develop innovative products and services. Focus areas include net zero emission mining, critical minerals, green steel, exploration amplification, alternative use of tailings and waste, and precision and low impact mining.
This program provides funding to support the installation of solar panels on eligible apartment buildings and other multi-unit dwellings in NSW. Funding can be used towards solar panels, inverters, mounting, sharing technology, installation labour, safety equipment, and roof waterproofing where required.
This program provides matched funding to cover up to 50% of the costs of installing energy metering and monitoring systems in NSW. Eligible costs include installation and commissioning of submeters, hardware and software integration, first year subscriptions to data management systems, and post-installation support.
This program provides commercial and industrial energy customers in Tasmania with interest-free and low-interest loans to implement energy efficient products and services. Support includes full interest cost coverage for loans up to $10,000 over the first 3 years, or a 5% interest subsidy for loans between $10,000 and $60,000 over the first 3 years.
This program provides funding to NSW businesses to help them install and commission permanent energy submeters for measuring energy performance. Funding covers the cost of installing and commissioning submeters, as well as hardware and software integration required for energy monitoring.
This program provides Tasmanian businesses with funding to help them carry out energy audits on their operations and buildings. Expert energy auditors will visit business premises to analyze electricity use, identify energy savings opportunities, and calculate financial payback for potential savings.
The Sustainable Aviation Fuel Funding Initiative provides up to $30 million to support the development of a sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) industry in Australia using renewable feedstocks. This initiative targets the aviation sector, identified as a hard-to-abate industry, to unlock market opportunities from Australia's bioenergy sector through advanced biofuels production.
The Advancing Renewables Program provides businesses with funding or finance to develop renewable energy technologies. The program aims to fund projects that contribute to optimising the transition to renewable electricity, commercialising clean hydrogen, or supporting the transition to low emissions metals.
This program provides funding to projects that enhance Australia's battery manufacturing capability and commercialise battery manufacturing processes. Projects must contribute to improving supply chain resilience, supporting emissions reduction, or commercialising battery manufacturing technologies.
This program provides funding to enable the demonstration and deployment of new zero emissions vehicle technologies. It aims to overcome barriers to ZEV uptake by fleets, optimize battery electric vehicle integration into the grid, demonstrate new use cases for ZEVs, and increase skills and knowledge relevant to ZEV technologies.
This program provides financial assistance to NSW businesses to procure battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and smart chargers. Eligible organisations can receive funding for up to 15 BEVs and smart charging ports in total across all rounds. Funding covers the cost of vehicle purchase and charger installation up to maximum incentive amounts.
Funding is available for landholders and leaseholders to become hosting stations for EV fast charging providers as part of a fast charging network. This program supports the development of electric vehicle fast charging infrastructure across New South Wales.
This program provides NSW small to medium enterprises with support measures to help them attain new business in targeted global markets. Participants receive expert-led workshops, market intelligence briefings, cultural and pitch training, introductions to potential partners and buyers, and in-market visits with specialist staff support.
The Hydrogen Headstart Program provides up to $2 billion in revenue support to fund large-scale renewable hydrogen production projects in Australia. The program aims to accelerate development of Australia's hydrogen industry, catalyse clean energy industries, and help Australia connect to global hydrogen supply chains.
This grant provides $46.3 million to deploy community batteries across Australia to lower energy bills, cut emissions, reduce pressure on the electricity grid, and enable further distributed solar installations. Community batteries are shared energy storage systems that support household solar installations and help stabilize the electricity network.
The Regional Microgrids Program provides up to $125 million to develop and deploy renewable energy microgrids across regional Australia through two streams: Stream A funds innovation in distributed renewable energy technology and improved electricity resilience in regional areas, while Stream B supports cleaner, more reliable energy and community empowerment in First Nations communities.
The Renewable Energy Venture Capital Fund (REVC) provided management expertise and equity investments in early-stage renewable energy companies to help them overcome capital constraints, develop technologies, and increase skills. The fund operated between January 1, 2012 and December 31, 2019, and was managed by Southern Cross Venture Partners with up to $120 million in available capital.
ARENA is allocating up to $7 million in funding for demonstration projects that provide proof-of-concept of power system security and strength services using innovative, non-traditional methods or technologies. Projects must be applicable to electricity systems with high shares of renewable energy and deliver results by 31 December 2019.
ARENA is allocating up to $10 million to fund activities focused on 5-minute ahead self-forecasting for wind and solar farms operating in the National Electricity Market (NEM). In partnership with AEMO, this funding supports wind and solar farms in developing accurate forecasting technologies to submit their own output predictions to AEMO's central dispatch system, replacing centralized forecasts.
ARENA is allocating up to $12.5 million in funding for pilot projects and studies to integrate Distributed Energy Resources (DER) into the electricity system. The initiative supports demonstration projects that manage high DER penetration in distribution networks and studies that help startups, networks, retailers, and system operators develop solutions to technical, regulatory, and commercial challenges of managing grids with high DER penetration.
The ITRP supports university researchers to partner with industry in priority areas for Australia. It includes Industrial Transformation Research Hubs that fund research projects focused on issues facing industry, and Industrial Transformation Training Centres that support Higher Degree by Research (HDR) students and postdoctoral researchers to gain practical skills and experience through industry placements.
ARENA's $60 million funding round supports research and development to accelerate cost reductions in Australian solar PV technology, aiming to achieve a Levelised Cost of Electricity under $20 per MWh. The program funds projects across two streams: cells and modules (targeting over 30% module efficiency and costs below 30 cents per watt) and balance of systems/operations and maintenance (reducing deployment and operational costs through innovation including AI, robotics, and novel construction approaches).
ARENA's Research and Development program funds emerging renewable energy technologies, particularly solar solutions, that require investment not typically available in the commercial market. The program supports local companies and research institutions in developing world-leading renewable energy solutions through research, development, and demonstration projects.
The Large Scale Battery Storage Funding Round provided up to $100 million to accelerate demonstration of grid-scale battery energy storage projects equipped with advanced inverters. This initiative supports projects that can provide essential system services to the electricity grid and contribute to Australia's energy transition through advanced inverter technology.
Regional Australia's Renewables (RAR) is a closed grant program that funded renewable energy solutions in regional and remote Australia through two streams: the Industry Program (I-RAR) which supported hybrid and integrated renewable systems in off-grid and fringe-of-grid communities, and the Community and Regional Renewable Energy (CARRE) Program which demonstrated the viability of renewable energy systems for small communities and islands. The program contributed to knowledge sharing and skills development while showcasing commercial viability of renewable technologies.
This opportunity is closed and no longer accepting applications. It previously encompassed two programs: the Second Generation Biofuels Research and Development Program, which supported research, development and demonstration of new biofuel technologies and feedstocks for sustainable biofuels industry development in Australia; and the Solar Flagships Program, which supported construction and demonstration of large-scale, grid-connected solar power stations to enable solar power to play a significant role in Australia's electricity supply.
Funding is available to accelerate the development and implementation of mineral carbonation, an industrial-scale process that converts CO2 into a stable form using mining wastes and byproducts. The program supports three types of projects: breakthrough projects for large-scale, high-risk research with industry partners; innovation projects for targeted research on specific mineral carbonation aspects with industry partners; and rapid response projects for short-term, focused studies addressing urgent challenges.
This program provides funding to private landholders in Victoria to undertake native vegetation restoration projects on their land. It aims to address climate change and support wildlife by planting millions of native trees and shrubs to capture carbon and create healthy habitat for native wildlife.
This program provides subsidised technical mentoring and support for electricians and licensed electrical inspectors in Victoria. Mentoring sessions cover topics including load management, switchboard upgrades, solar and battery installations, electric vehicle chargers, and commercial/industrial solar. Sessions are delivered on-site or online in both metropolitan Melbourne and regional Victoria.
A $1.5 billion grant program administered by ARENA that supports pre-commercial innovation, demonstration and deployment of renewable energy and low emission technologies. The program focuses on three priority areas: Green Metals ($750 million), Renewable Energy Technology Manufacturing ($200 million), and Low Carbon Liquid Fuels ($250 million), to support Australia's transition to a net zero economy.
A $1 billion Commonwealth program supporting the commercialisation of Australian solar photovoltaic (PV) innovations and enhancement of solar PV supply chains. The program funds innovative solar PV manufacturing facilities across the solar supply chain through multiple funding rounds.
The Industrial Transformation Stream supports the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions at existing industrial facilities in regional Australia. It funds a range of industrial decarbonisation solutions including electrification, energy efficiency, low emissions processing, fuel switching, energy storage, demand management, and critical infrastructure. The program supports projects ranging from feasibility studies and front-end engineering design to trials, demonstrations, and deployment.
The CRC Grants Program provides funding to establish and operate Cooperative Research Centres that bring together researchers, industry, and other partners to conduct collaborative research. The program supports multiple active CRCs across various sectors including digital health, agriculture, manufacturing, energy, and environmental sustainability, with funding terms typically spanning 10 years.
A $29.5 million grant awarded to deliver new research, tools and resources enabling regions and communities to transition to a prosperous and sustainable post-mine future. The program focuses on four categories of opportunities: engagement and partnership, waste reduction and recovery, mine rehabilitation, and land use transitions for mining regions.
A $26 million grant awarded to the Future Fuels Cooperative Research Centre to research and develop low-carbon energy infrastructure, including hydrogen blending with natural gas for use in residential and commercial appliances. The grant supports the transition of energy infrastructure to a low-carbon economy using fuels such as hydrogen and biogas, with research outcomes informing industry implementation across Australia.
A grant program supporting manufacturing businesses to expand production capacity, develop advanced technologies, and establish sovereign manufacturing capabilities across priority sectors including space, medical products, critical minerals processing, food and beverage, clean energy, and defence.
A grant program supporting Australian manufacturing companies to develop and scale innovative manufacturing projects across priority sectors including space, medical products, critical minerals processing, food and beverage, clean energy, and defence. The program provides co-investment funding to help businesses translate research and development into commercial manufacturing capabilities.
Space Machines Company will lead Space MAITRI, a joint Australian-Indian mission to demonstrate progress towards space debris management and a sustainable space future. The project incorporates an Australian-built Orbital Servicing Vehicle launched on an Indian launcher and demonstrates advanced manufacturing, Artificial Intelligence, and sustainability technologies through space sector cooperation and supply chain partnerships between the two nations.
A pilot to set up Australia's first Precursor Cathode Active Material manufacturing plant in Kwinana, Western Australia. The plant will enable Australia to capture more of the battery value chain and enable direct sale of this high-value critical mineral product to manufacturers in the EU and India.
The Industry Growth Program awards matched funding grants to support high growth potential Australian businesses commercialise their innovative projects and build Australian manufacturing capability. Grant amounts range from $50,000 up to $5 million, with applications assessed on merit by an independent committee. The program has awarded 96 grants totalling $142 million to date.
Grant funding for construction and operation of a Purified Spherical Graphite (PSG) pilot manufacturing facility to validate processing flowsheet and produce battery-grade PSG material. The project supports conversion of non-binding offtake agreements into binding agreements and enables final investment decision on Renascor's integrated graphite mine and manufacturing facility.
SMEC AI accelerates SME adoption of artificial intelligence in priority industries including enabling capabilities, medical science, agriculture, and renewables. The program operates through two key activities: an SME AI Adoption Centre providing consultations and training, and an SME AI Studio creating and supporting new AI products in collaboration with SMEs to solve industry problems.
A $3 million grant awarded to Dovetail Electric Aviation to develop, test, and certify electric conversions of conventionally powered aircraft. The project collaborates with Sydney Seaplanes, University of New South Wales, CSIRO, and Memko Aviation to create the first certified electric propulsion and energy system in its category, advancing zero-emission aviation in Australia.
A grant program that funds collaborative research projects between industry and academia to develop innovative solutions. The grant supports projects addressing environmental and economic challenges, such as ACE Infrastructure's development of wireless charging systems for electric heavy vehicles.
A grant program that funds collaborative research projects between industry and academia to develop innovative solutions. The grant supports projects like ACE Infrastructure's development of a world-first Road Embedded Wireless Power Transfer (REWPT) charging system for electric trucks and buses on regional Australian roads.
A $2.77 million grant supporting Rux Energy's development of advanced nanoporous materials for hydrogen storage solutions in heavy industry and transport. The project involves collaboration with University of Sydney, UNSW, ANSTO, and industry partners to accelerate commercialisation and validation of hydrogen storage technology through prototype development and field trials.
A $2.77 million grant supporting Rux Energy's development of advanced nanoporous materials for hydrogen storage solutions in heavy industry and transport. The project involves collaboration between Rux Energy, University of Sydney, UNSW, ANSTO, and industry partners to accelerate commercialisation and validation of hydrogen storage technology that improves energy efficiency and reduces costs.
A Commonwealth grant program that funds community energy upgrade projects across Australia. The fund supports local councils and community organizations in implementing renewable energy systems, energy efficiency upgrades, and electrification projects. Projects must be completed by 31 August 2027.
A grant supporting collaborative research and development projects between industry and research institutions. Pure Battery Technologies used this funding to develop a sustainable process for refining cobalt concentrate into high-purity mixed-metal hydroxide for lithium-ion battery production, working with university and industry partners.
A government grant that funds research partnerships between companies and universities to develop innovative technologies. Separtis used this three-year grant to fund research with the University of Sydney on recycling technology for plastics, e-waste metal recovery, and microplastics removal.
A grant provided through the Industry Growth Program to support Alt. Leather in upscaling their manual lab process to larger, more automated equipment. The funding enables the company to improve production capability and capacity by moving their manufacturing in-house.
Feasibility funding for a project led by Deakin University in partnership with Australian National University, Optimal Group Australia Pty Ltd, Quintessencelabs Pty Ltd, and University of South Australia. The project focuses on developing quantum secured communications for information networks in smart microgrids to optimize the performance, sustainability, and security of energy networks.
A Commonwealth grant program that provides funding to support the establishment and operation of business incubators and accelerators across Australia. The program funds various types of incubation programs including regional incubators, sector-specific accelerators, and programs targeting specific entrepreneur demographics.
This program provides ACT businesses with rebates, incentives and advice on energy, transport, waste and water efficiency. Eligible businesses can access free onsite assessments, tailored action plans, training resources, and rebates of up to $10,000 for energy and water efficiency upgrades or up to $3,000 for EV charger installation.
This program provides South Australian small businesses with sustainability support including workshops and assessments to help them understand environmental sustainability, reduce emissions, and adapt to a net zero carbon future. Eligible businesses can attend 3-hour regional workshops and access a subsidised sustainability assessment at $500 (ex GST) to develop tailored actions for reducing carbon emissions.
The Advancing Renewables Program supports development, demonstration, and pre-commercial deployment projects in renewable energy and clean technology. It funds projects addressing ultra low-cost solar, renewable electricity transition, clean hydrogen commercialisation, low emissions metals, and transport decarbonisation.
Financial support available for Australian businesses to help them hire, train and keep apprentices. Employers may be eligible for the Key Apprenticeship Program Employer Incentive for apprentices in housing construction or clean energy sectors, or a Priority Hiring Incentive for other occupations on the Australian apprenticeships priority list.
The Energy Savings Scheme provides NSW businesses with financial incentives to invest in projects that reduce energy consumption. Businesses can receive incentive payments to install new equipment or modify existing systems across various energy-using applications including lighting, HVAC, motors, refrigeration, and solar battery systems. Work must be undertaken in conjunction with a government-approved Accredited Certificate Provider (ACP).
Concessions on electricity rates are available for green hydrogen producers to lower their electricity costs. Electricity is the largest cost input for hydrogen production, and these concessions enable producers to manufacture green hydrogen at a lower cost and be more competitive with incumbent fuels.
The National Reconstruction Fund Corporation (NRFC) provides debt finance, equity finance and guarantees for businesses with compelling proposals in priority areas of the Australian economy. Applicants can seek funding for proposals in renewables and low emissions technologies, medical science, transport, value-add in agriculture/forestry/fisheries, value-add in resources, defence capabilities, and enabling capabilities.
Long-term, industry-led research collaboration funding that supports cooperative research between universities, industry, and other organizations. The program funds applied research projects that address industry challenges and drive innovation, as demonstrated by the CRC for Low Carbon Living's work on renewable energy sharing technology.
The CRCP Grants program supports collaborative research projects between industry and research organizations to develop innovative products and solutions. This grant funded Flame Security International's development of FIRECOAT, a fire-resistant paint technology designed to protect against bushfires.
A Commonwealth program that registers and supports early-stage venture capital limited partnerships to provide investment funding to innovative Australian businesses. Businesses can approach registered ESVCLPs directly to seek capital for growth and expansion across various sectors including technology, healthcare, agriculture, and defence.
The Driving the Nation Program supports development, demonstration and deployment projects that accelerate the uptake of Zero Emission Vehicles (ZEVs). Projects must overcome barriers to ZEV adoption, optimise BEV grid integration, demonstrate new technology and business models, or increase skills and knowledge in ZEV technologies. The program focuses on three areas: heavy BEV demonstration and deployment, heavy BEV charging solutions, and V2G and innovation.
This program provides businesses with the opportunity to earn Australian Carbon Credit Units (ACCUs) for every tonne of carbon dioxide equivalent they store or avoid emitting through adopting new practices and technologies. Participants can earn ACCUs through projects involving vegetation management, agriculture, energy consumption, waste, transport, and industrial processes, which can then be sold to generate income.
A tax offset program that provides financial support to eligible corporations conducting research and development activities in Australia. Companies can claim tax offsets based on eligible R&D expenditure, with enhanced benefits for smaller companies and those using registered research service providers.
The R&D Tax Incentive supports businesses conducting research and development activities by providing tax benefits. It enables companies to employ highly skilled individuals and invest in developing new technologies and innovations. The incentive helps businesses offset R&D costs and accelerate the commercialization of new products and processes.
The VCLP program provides attractive tax benefits for venture capital investors to make early or late stage investments in innovative Australian businesses. It supports the commercialisation of promising technologies developed by Australian research institutions and startups.
The ARC Centres of Excellence Program supports high-quality groups of researchers working in areas of national and international importance for Australia. Centres partner with strategic industry and research organisations to undertake innovative and potentially transformational research, develop international networks, and build Australia's research capacity. The program establishes focal points of expertise that maintain and develop Australia's international standing in research areas of national priority.
This program provides advice and free equipment to support public events in the ACT to reduce waste, energy, water use, and greenhouse gas emissions while raising sustainability awareness. Participants can access free equipment such as signage, water units, and bin tops to help achieve sustainability goals.
The CRC Program funds collaborative research between industry, government, and academic partners to develop technologies and solutions for real-world problems. CRC CARE specifically focuses on developing technologies to assess, clean up, and prevent soil, water, and air contamination, with support totaling $56.1 million in Australian Government funding since 2005.
A CRC-P grant supporting PEGRAS Asia Pacific and partner universities to develop technology that removes labels and adhesives from HDPE plastic waste, enabling 100% recycled HDPE for remanufacture in Australia. The project combines impact delamination and chemical washing technology to address the problem of hundreds of thousands of tonnes of HDPE waste going to landfill due to current recycling limitations.
A tax incentive program that provides support to companies conducting eligible research and development activities in Australia. The program allows companies to claim tax benefits for expenditure on eligible R&D activities, including those conducted by registered research service providers.
A venture capital program that provides funding to support innovative Australian businesses and technology companies. The program facilitates investment through limited partnerships to help build Australia's next generation of technology leaders and support ventures in sectors like aviation decarbonization and pharmaceuticals.
A government-registered program that facilitates venture capital investment in Australian businesses through limited partnerships. Registered VCLPs invest in small to medium-sized enterprises across various stages of development, from early-stage startups to mid-market buyouts, with investment horizons typically ranging from 4-6 years.
Grant information is sourced from official government websites and updated regularly. Always verify current eligibility and deadlines before applying.