On August 31, the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) launched the first phase of its $1 billion Solar Sunshot program to support innovation in Australia's solar PV manufacturing sector.
The Australian Government announced the Solar Sunshot program in March, and guidelines for the program have been developed over a period of extensive consultation.
ARENA CEO Darren Miller said the program is designed to identify and support innovation to drive scale and diversity in key industries.
Miller said, “Solar power will be the foundation of Australia's future energy supply and key to realizing our net-zero energy and renewable energy superpower ambitions. We need to consolidate and extend innovation into manufacturing across the solar supply chain. The demand for solar energy to achieve our net-zero energy and renewable energy superpower ambitions is huge, and Australia has the opportunity to build resilience and unlock long-term economic opportunities.ARENA is known as Australia's renewable energy innovation agency, so we look forward to pursuing innovation in solar manufacturing. Australia is a recognized leader in solar research and deployment, which gives us the opportunity to play a greater role in manufacturing.”
Two funding rounds totaling $550 million were launched today. Round 1A is designed to support solar PV manufacturing innovation with a focus on module inputs with an allocation of $500 million.
Round 1B will fund solar PV manufacturing research, including feasibility and engineering studies, from a $50 million pool.
Australia benefits from strong renewable energy potential, high quality, abundant raw materials and a long track record of excellence in research and development. The Solar Sunshot program will capitalize on these strengths, enabling Australia to strengthen and diversify its supply chain and, at the same time, create economic opportunities.
ARENA worked with the Department of Climate Change, Energy, Environment and Water (DCCEEW), industry and other key stakeholders to develop the program guidelines.
Applications for funding are currently open and ARENA will be hosting informational webinars for potential applicants in the coming weeks.
ARENA expects to announce future funding rounds for the Solar Sunshot program beginning in mid-2025.
Source: https://mp.weixin.qq.com/s/aps2AxLjto1jnuaulJLf4w