The Regional Microgrids Program (the Program) seeks to support the development and deployment of renewable energy microgrids across regional Australia that contribute to the Program Outcomes. ARENA has allocated funding across two Streams under the Program, and each Stream has its own Outcomes.
Regional Australia Microgrid Pilots (Stream A)
The aim of Stream A is to fund Projects that contribute to the following Outcomes:
Innovation and/or acceleration of the development and deployment of equipment and technology solutions that enable the coordinated use of distributed renewable energy technologies.
Improved resilience and reliability of electricity supply in regional areas.
Resolving one or more of the remaining barriers to deployment of microgrid solutions.
First Nations Community Microgrids (Stream B)
The aim of Stream B is to fund Projects that contribute to the following Outcomes:
Reduced cost of energy and other community benefits in First Nations Communities.
Cleaner and more reliable energy in First Nations Communities.
First Nations Communities are empowered to participate in their electricity supply arrangements and the development of energy infrastructure.
Resolving one or more of the remaining barriers to deployment of microgrid solutions.
Funding Amounts:
The minimum Grant amount under the Program is $1 million.
Under Stream A, ARENA expects that most Grants will be between $5 million and $10 million, depending on the scope and complexity of the Project.
Under Stream B, ARENA expects that most Grants will be between $5 million and $25 million, depending on the scope and complexity of the Project. d
ARENA will provide the minimum amount of funding to allow the Project to proceed.
ARENA expects that the grant amount will be no more than 50 per cent of eligible Project costs (Grant percentage), though grant amounts of greater than 50 per cent of eligible Project costs may still be considered.
Please note that the first stage of application is by expression of interest.