The Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) has announced a significant funding injection of $59.1 million across 21 research projects.
This funding is aimed at supporting research and development (R&D) as well as commercialisation activities focusing on renewable hydrogen and low-emissions iron and steel.
ARENA CEO Darren Miller highlighted the importance of funding early-stage R&D and innovation in supporting the global transition to net zero emissions.
He stated: “We’re backing Australian technological innovation that helps build our clean industries and underpins our ambitions of becoming a renewable energy superpower.”
Initially, $25 million in funding was allocated for each of the two funding rounds — Renewable Hydrogen and Iron & Steel.
However, due to the high quality of applications received, ARENA has increased the total funding amount to $59.1 million.
Grant funding for each successful applicant ranges between $1.3 million and $5 million.
The funding for the R&D projects will be provided over two stages, starting with an initial core research stage followed by a research commercialisation stage aimed at scaling up and demonstrating the application of research breakthroughs in the market.
Miller emphasised ARENA’s commitment to funding and supporting early-stage innovation, stating: “Innovation starts in the lab, and we have the best minds taking our decarbonisation efforts to the next level — to the benefit of all Australians through jobs, lower emissions, and cheaper energy.”
Australia, as the world’s largest exporter of iron ore — supplying up to 53 per cent of international exports each year — plays a crucial role in global emissions reduction.
Decarbonisation through the iron and steel value chain is expected to have a significant impact on emissions reduction worldwide.
The Iron & Steel R&D round aims to support a step change in emissions abatement pathways in the production of iron and steel and encourage additional research capacity in these sectors, facilitating collaboration between research groups and industry.
The Hydrogen R&D round aims to accelerate the commercialisation of renewable hydrogen through innovation in hydrogen production, storage, and distribution technologies.
Renewable hydrogen is expected to play a significant role in reducing emissions in hard-to-abate sectors like iron and steel production.
The successful recipients across both R&D funding rounds can be found on ARENA’s website.
