The AUD$1 billion Solar Sunshot Program is now officially launched! PV companies can apply for funding!

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 the program guidelines were developed following a period of extensive consultation.

ARENA CEO Darren Miller said the program aims to identify and support innovations that drive scale and diversity across key industries.

Miller said: “Solar energy will be the backbone of Australia’s future energy supply and key to delivering our net zero ambitions and renewable energy superpower. We need to consolidate and scale up innovation into manufacturing across the solar supply chain. The demand for solar energy to deliver our net zero ambitions and renewable energy superpower is huge, and Australia has the opportunity to build resilience and unlock long-term economic opportunity. ARENA is known as Australia’s renewable energy innovation agency, so we look forward to driving innovation in solar manufacturing. Australia is a recognised leader in solar energy research and deployment, which gives us the opportunity to play a greater role in manufacturing.”

Today, two rounds of financing were launched, totaling $550 million. Round 1A aims to support innovation in photovoltaic production, with a focus on input modules, with an allocation of $500 million.

Round 1B will fund research into the production of photovoltaic cells, including feasibility and engineering studies, with a pool of $50 million.

Australia benefits from strong renewable energy potential, high-quality, abundant raw materials and a long history of excellence in research and development. The Solar Sunshot program will leverage these strengths, enabling Australia to strengthen and diversify its supply chain while creating economic opportunities.

ARENA worked with the Department of Climate Change, Energy, Environment and Water (DCCEEW), industry and other key stakeholders to develop the programme guidelines.

Applications for funding are currently being accepted and ARENA will be hosting informational webinars for potential applicants in the coming weeks.

ARENA expects to announce additional funding rounds for the Solar Sunshot program starting in mid-2025.

Source: https://mp.weixin.qq.com/s/aps2AxLjto1jnuaulJLf4w