QLD Manufacturing Energy Efficiency Grant (MEEG) Program

Applications are open until: 30 June 2024
Grants: ranging from $5,000 to $25,000 (excluding GST) are offered as matching funds for eligible project expenses on a dollar-for-dollar cash basis. This program reimburses up to 50% of eligible project costs for SME manufacturers based in Queensland.

The Manufacturing Energy Efficiency Grant (MEEG) Program, funded at $7.1 million by the Queensland Government, supports the manufacturing sector in enhancing its competitiveness in a low-carbon future. This is achieved through the implementation of energy-efficient measures that reduce both energy costs and operational emissions. Queensland-based manufacturers who aim to improve energy efficiency, adopt advanced technology, lower energy consumption and associated expenses, reduce emissions, and promote energy awareness are encouraged to apply.

Round 1 of the program is currently accepting applications. Applications will be reviewed as they are received, and applicants should anticipate up to a 12-week period for the assessment of their submissions.

Key Requirements

The Program’s Objectives are aligned with the Queensland Government’s Energy and Jobs Plan and the department’s strategic direction, aiming to:

increase the adoption of energy efficiency measures and technology among Queensland-based manufacturing SMEs
assist Queensland-based manufacturing SMEs in lowering their energy consumption and expenses
contribute to carbon emissions reduction in alignment with the Queensland Government’s pledge to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050 and meet Queensland’s renewable energy and climate objectives
enhance manufacturers’ awareness of their energy consumption.

What is eligible for funding?

For a project to qualify as an Eligible Project, it must meet the following conditions:

align with a minimum of two Program Objectives
correspond with one or more of the Project Focus areas:
- compressed air improvements
- electrification from gas or fuel-based process to electric
- heat pumps
- industrial HVAC system
- lighting
- energy monitoring systems
- upgrades to motors, including for compressors, pumps, fans, conveyors, mixers, blowers and welders with higher efficiency models
demonstrate a minimum 10% reduction in energy consumption or carbon emissions directly attributable to project implementation. In the case of an Energy Monitoring System, provide a plan to identify and execute initiatives that will lead to a 10% reduction in energy use or carbon emissions across the Project Site.
be carried out at the Project Site address in Queensland
not replicate a project or project items that have received approved funding from any other local, state, or federal government grant or scheme
not have commenced, and not be scheduled to commence, until after the execution of a Grant Agreement.

Subject to meeting all other eligibility and assessment criteria of the MEEG Program. It’s important to note that projects exceeding $50,000 remain eligible, although the government’s contribution will be limited to $25,000 (excluding GST).

What companies are eligible for funding?

To be eligible for the MEEG Program, applicants must meet the following criteria:

operate a Queensland-based business with the primary activity and the majority of the annual turnover derived from manufacturing, as defined under Division C of the Australian Bureau of Statistics’ Australian and New Zealand Standard Industrial Classification (ANZSIC), 2006
be registered for GST and hold an active Australian Business Number (ABN)
qualify as a small to medium-sized enterprise (SME) with a staff count ranging from five to 200 full-time equivalent (FTE) employees. At least five FTE employees must be located in Queensland
propose an Eligible Project
demonstrate a minimum 12-month access to the project site address in Queensland, either through ownership or an executed lease agreement or a similar arrangement
obtain quotes for a minimum of $10,000 (excluding GST) for Eligible Project costs, bearing in mind that additional quotes or project costs cannot be added to an application once it is submitted
have the financial capacity and standing required to successfully undertake and complete the proposed Eligible Project, considering that grant payments are made in arrears
operate within Queensland for a minimum of 12 months before submitting an application
not be insolvent or have owners or directors who are undischarged bankrupts
not represent a federal, state, or local government entity, statutory authority, special purpose vehicle, or a not-for-profit organisation.

Is this grant competitive or entitlement based?

Competitive. Your application will be assessed among other applications by a judging panel.

How can I increase my chances of winning this grant?

By engaging an accredited government grants consultant, such as Avant Group.

Competitive grants often require significant business case development and project analysis to support the application, this may include detailed presentations supporting the project’s merit, projected sales, cost-benefit analysis and more.

As part of your engagement with Avant Group, your account manager will assess the required documents and will provide the following as needed to support your grant submission.

Grant application writeup including a detailed presentation illustrating how the grant funding will contribute to your project, how the funding will contribute to the project’s budget, a project milestone plan, delivery timeline, impact on employment if applicable and a breakdown of the management and leadership team for the project

Industry analysis presentation
Competitor Analysis Presentation
Marketing and Sales Analysis Presentation
3-5 year Cashflow Forecast
3-5 year Balance Sheet Forecast
Cost-Benefit Analysis of Grant Funding
End-to-end grant application including information collating, analysis and application writing
CAPEX (Capital Expenditure) cost-benefit analysis
Stakeholder relations and Risk Mitigation Plans
Any other relevant forecasting that will support your application

How can I get help with my application? Or know if I’m likely to win funding?

Avant Group offers a no-obligation assessment of your eligibility for funding and will assess your likelihood of a successful grant application.

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