Applications Open for the Emerging Renewables Program

The Australian Government is calling for applications for the new $126 million Emerging Renewables Program which will be administered by the Australian Centre for Renewable Energy (ACRE). The Program will provide support for the development of renewable energy and enabling technologies in Australia across the innovation chain.

The Minister for Resources, Energy and Tourism, the Hon Martin Ferguson AM MP, launched the program on 8 August 2011, with the release of the program guidelines. See the Minister’s Media Release.

The Emerging Renewables Program is a merit-based program that provides grants in two funding categories:

1. ACRE Projects – for renewable energy and enabling technologies and products to as they move through the technology innovation chain and to lower the cost of renewable energy in Australia. The application process is undertaken in two phases, i.e. Expression of Interest (EOI) followed by invitation for selected applicants to submit a Project Funding Application.
2. ACRE Measures – that may involve a renewable energy industry capacity building activity, skills development activity or a preparatory activity for an ACRE Project. The application process involves a single phase.

Fact Sheet, Program Guidelines etc are avialable at http://www.ret.gov.au/energy/clean/cei/acre/erp/Pages/EmergingRenewablesProgram.aspx.