Grants in Renewables & Sustainability

The Defence and Research Teaming (DaRT) 2025 grant is a Western Australian Government initiative managed by the Defence Science Centre. It empowers defence personnel, academia and industry partners to collaborate on early-stage concepts within the Defence Capability Life Cycle. These projects must have participated in Exercise Western Dawn 2025 and align with defined innovation themes. Successful teams receive grants up to $200k to de‑risk technologies and mature ideas—ultimately enhancing ADF capability and building sovereign industry outcomes.

The Renewable Manufacturing stream focuses on building strong local supply chains for renewable energy and electric vehicles (EVs). It is part of the NSW Net Zero Manufacturing Initiative, which underpins the NSW Government’s commitment to achieving net zero emissions by 2050.

The Green Iron Investment Fund – National Development Stream supports early movers in establishing commercial-scale green iron production facilities across Australia. Its objectives are to de-risk early capital investments in green iron production, attract private investment into the industry, generate economic and employment benefits, and deliver community outcomes aligned with the Future Made in Australia Community Benefit Principles. The intended outcomes include transforming national, regional or local economies through the development of green iron capabilities, and contributing to emissions reduction across the steel value chain in line with Australia’s decarbonisation goals.

The Collaborative Research Grant (CRG) is a competitive funding initiative co-funded by the Western Australian Government and the Defence Science and Technology Group (DSTG). It supports cross-disciplinary collaboration between WA-based industry and academic institutions to develop technologies that are relevant to Defence and aligned with national strategic priorities.

The Rural Financial Counselling Service (RFCS) offers free and independent financial counselling to eligible farmers, fishers, foresters, and small rural enterprises who are experiencing, or at risk of, financial hardship. The program is designed to support individuals and businesses in navigating financial challenges and building long-term resilience. Its core objective is to help clients transition out of immediate financial crisis, assess the viability of their business to make informed decisions about its future, and improve overall financial wellbeing. This is achieved through financial education, skill-building, and referrals to relevant professional services.

The South Australian Government’s Enabling Infrastructure Program – Round 3 is part of the Thriving Regions Fund, designed to support regional communities through targeted infrastructure investment. With a total funding pool of $5 million for 2025–26, the program offers two distinct streams: Stream 1 for shovel-ready infrastructure projects and Stream 2 for infrastructure planning activities. Grants range from $50,000 to $1 million for infrastructure projects and $10,000 to $75,000 for planning initiatives. The program aims to strengthen regional communities by enabling infrastructure that improves quality of life, attracts and retains residents and businesses, and supports economic development. Projects must be investment-ready and demonstrate alignment with regional priorities. Applicants are required to contribute a minimum cash co-contribution, exclusive of other grant sources.

The Battery Breakthrough Initiative (BBI) was announced as part of the Federal Government’s Future Made in Australia (FMA) policy. The program has a $500 million of grant funding pool available.

ARENA is continuing its support for research and development (R&D) and commercialisation of Australian solar PV, with a new $60 million funding round to push innovation and take solar to ultra low-cost levels.

Offers up to $500,000 in funding for later-stage projects that are closer to market and require support to scale or commercialise.