The Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) has opened applications for the Future Made in Australia (FMIA) Innovation Fund, offering $1.2 billion in grants aimed at accelerating clean energy innovation and strengthening domestic manufacturing.
The program is designed to support projects that cut emissions while building industrial capability in low-emission sectors, as revealed in a news release.
According to the Australian Industry Group, the FMIA Fund targets hard-to-abate industries and emerging technologies critical to Australia’s net zero transition.
The program prioritises projects in three areas: green metals, renewable energy technology manufacturing, and low-carbon liquid fuels.
Funding is available for early-stage innovation, including prototypes and pilot plants, as well as later-stage deployment of technologies at industrial scale.
The grants are open to a broad range of Australian entities, including private companies, research institutions, universities, and industry consortia, provided the lead applicant holds an Australian Business Number.
Projects must primarily take place in Australia and demonstrate at least a proof of concept. International partners may participate if the work is domestically based.
Applications follow a two-stage process, starting with an expression of interest, followed by full applications by invitation.
Industry stakeholders have welcomed the initiative as an opportunity to expand local manufacturing of clean technologies and create skilled jobs, while accelerating Australia’s transition to low-emission industries.
Detailed program guidelines and application instructions are available on ARENA’s website.
