The Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) has allocated up to US$15.2 million for a new research and development (R&D) round set to help industry-partnered projects that are looking to develop and commercialise renewable energy technologies.
ARENA CEO Ivor Frischknecht, along with Suntech Power founder, Dr. Zhengrong Shi, officially commenced the new funding round at an event at RMIT University in Melbourne.
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Frischknecht noted: “I am pleased to announce up to AU$20 million for our second R&D round through ARENA’s Research & Development Programme. This round will support industry and research partnerships to deliver R&D projects with practical applications and commercially-oriented outcomes that integrate renewable energy into networks, buildings and industrial processes.
“ARENA understands the importance of supporting R&D projects to drive innovation and advance renewable energy technologies and solutions suited to the 21st century.”
Frischknecht continued: “ARENA is not, however, in the business of investing in research for the sake of research; our goal with this R&D round is to further align our investment in research and development with the needs of industry.
“Strong collaboration between researchers and industry will help ensure Australia’s world-class renewable energy research is translated into commercial outcomes that increase the economic, social and environmental return on investment in R&D.”
Frischknecht noted that ARENA received commentary from industry and research stakeholders in order to find R&D priorities, which would help address the issues regarding Australia’s energy market and future energy supply.
Frischknecht said: “Proposed projects must address one of four priority technology areas and develop industry-research partnerships with at least one eligible Australian research institution and at least one industry partner.”
ARENA has set aside up to US$228.8 million over 2013-2022 for its Research & Development Programme. ARENA is providing US$16.4 million for 12 projects through the first round of the programme.
