Emerging Renewables Program (ERP)
ARENA is calling for applications for the Emerging Renewables Program.
About the program
The $126 million Emerging Renewables Program supports the development of renewable energy technologies in Australia across the innovation chain. The program was originally administered by the Department of Resources, Energy and Tourism, on the advice of the Australian Centre for Renewable Energy. To provide continuity in support for innovation in the renewable energy sector, ARENA has continued operation of the program.
On 08 March 2013, the Emerging Renewables Program technology priorities were updated to better align the priorities with ARENA’s General Funding Strategy and Investment Plan and to more clearly articulate ARENA’s areas of technology interest.
Changes include clarifications to the priorities for geothermal, bioenergy and ocean technologies. The changes are detailed in Appendix B of an updated version of the Emerging Renewables Information Guide (see Related documents below).
Applications submitted to the Emerging Renewables Program are assessed against the technology priorities that are in place at the time of submission. If you would like to discuss these changes, please contact the Emerging Renewables Program on (02) 6243 7054.
Program funding
The Emerging Renewables Program is a non-competitive, merit-based program that provides grants for emerging renewable energy technologies in two funding categories:
- Projects—grants for the development of renewable energy technologies along the technology innovation chain.
- Measures—grants for:
- renewable energy industry capacity building activities
- renewable energy industry development activities
- preparatory activities for a Project.
Application and assessment
The process of applying for funding for a Project 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 high standard are invited to submit a Project funding application.
The process of applying for funding for a Measure involves one phase. Applicants submit a Measure application to be considered for funding. There is no EOI phase.
Only projects of high merit will be offered program funding.
In accordance with legislative requirements, ARENA will be required to seek the approval of the Minister for Resources and Energy to offer funding for, or to make changes to, a Project or Measure involving a grant or grants totalling more than $50 million.
Successful applicants
Details about successful applicants are provided on the ARENA projects page of this site and are listed below.
Project
Project |
Announced |
|---|---|
01 May 2012 |
|
03 July 2012 |
|
03 July 2012 |
|
04 July 2012 |
|
21 November 2012 |
|
20 March 2013 |
Measure
Measure |
Announced |
|---|---|
08 March 2012 |
|
13 April 2012 |
|
01 May 2012 |
|
18 June 2012 |
|
06 July 2012 |
|
06 July 2012 |
|
The University of Adelaide, South Australian Centre for Geothermal Energy Research (SACGER) |
17 September 2012 |
20 February 2013 |
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 proposal being assessed as having high merit against the merit criteria
- decide to apply for the Projects or 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 proposal.
Applicants offered funding will be required to enter into a Funding Agreement with ARENA. Each Funding Agreement will incorporate details of the specific Project or Measure and its milestones.
Timeline
The Minister for Resources, Energy and Tourism, the Hon Martin Ferguson AM MP, launched the Program and released the original program guidelines on 8 August 2011.
ARENA decided to continue the Program under revised Program arrangements (including revised Program guidelines and documentation) to provide continuity in support for innovation in the renewable energy sector, following the commencement of ARENA on 1 July 2012.
Related documents
Document |
Other |
|
Emerging Renewables Program—Fact Sheet |
||
Emerging Renewables Program—Guidance to Applicants on Estimating the Project's Cost of Electricity |
||
Emerging Renewables Program—Guidance to Applicants Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) |
||
Emerging Renewables Program—Information Guide |
||
Emerging Renewables Program—Program Administrative Guidelines |
More information
For more information about the Program please contact the Program team.
Email: emerging.renewables@arena.gov.au
Phone: (02) 6243 7054