Australian State To Support Clean Technology Manufacturing

• NSW will provide up to AUD 275 million in grants to support local manufacturing of clean technology 
• Divided under 3 components, the grant for renewable manufacturing will help establish new industrial facilities 
• Low carbon product manufacturing and clean technology innovation are the other fields to benefit from the grant 

The State Government of New South Wales (NSW) in Australia has announced AUD 275 million ($180 million) in grants to support clean technology manufacturing, including for solar cells, under the Net Zero Manufacturing Initiative. 

Up to AUD 275 million will be available for the 3 investment areas identified through the NSW Decarbonization Innovation 2023 Study by the Office of Chief Scientist and Engineer. 

Out of the total grant amount, up to AUD 150 million ($98 million) has been allocated to renewable manufacturing under which winners can establish new industrial facilities and manufacturing capabilities, including setting up a brand-new facility for solar cells. It will encourage initiatives that can increase local supply capacity of components for the renewable energy sector.

Another AUD 100 million ($65 million) is reserved for low-carbon product manufacturing, and up to AUD 25 million ($16 million) for clean technology innovation fields. 

The government has also issued Construction Ready Stream Funding Guidelines for renewable manufacturing under which it will invest between AUD 5 million and AUD 50 million/project to build new manufacturing facilities. Selected projects will need to become fully operational within 4 years of contract execution or latest by June 30, 2030. 

The applicants will need to confirm that their project is sustainable without continued government investment, with a viable commercial strategy. At least 50% of the total proposed project cost should be arranged from non-NSW government sources. 

NSW Premier Chris Minns said the Net Zero Manufacturing Initiative offers funding for small and medium businesses wanting to pilot new technology within their premises. 

State Minister for Climate Change and Energy Penny Sharpe added, "They will lead to new secure, long-term jobs that are good for the planet but also build wealth in local communities and give NSW security and sovereignty of the renewable energy supply chain." 

To award the grant to eligible projects, the state government opened an expressions of interest (EOI) round on February 26, 2024, with April 19, 2024 as the last date of submissions for renewable manufacturing. Detailed applications will be sought later from the shortlisted projects. Details are available on the government's website. 

NSW targets to achieve net zero emissions by 2050. The AUD 275 million for Net Zero Manufacturing Initiative is part of the AUD 480 million in funding for the Net Zero Plan, announced during the 2023 budget. 

The state is also working on its Electricity Infrastructure Roadmap to bring online 12 GW of renewable energy capacity through renewable energy zones by 2040 (see NSW: AUD 32 Billion Electricity Infrastructure Roadmap).