The Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) has officially opened the first phase of the $1 billion Solar Sunshot program to support innovation in Australia’s solar photovoltaic (PV) manufacturing industry.
ARENA CEO Darren Miller said the program aims to uncover and support innovation to drive scale and diversity in a critical industry.
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“Solar electricity will be the foundation of Australia’s future energy supply and the key to our net zero and renewable energy superpower ambitions,” Miller said.
“We need to build on our history of innovation and extend this into manufacturing across the solar supply chain. The demand for solar required to meet our net zero and renewable energy superpower goals is immense and Australia has the opportunity to build resilience and unlock long-term economic opportunity.”
Solar Sunshot comprises two funding rounds with a total of $550 million available. Round 1A aims to support solar PV manufacturing innovation with a focus on modules, inputs to modules, and deployment systems with an allocation of $500 million.
Round 1B will provide funding for solar PV manufacturing studies, including feasibility and engineering studies, from a $50 million pool.
Australia benefits from strong renewable energy potential, high-quality, abundant raw materials, and a long track record of excellence in research and development.
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Solar Sunshot aims to harness these advantages so that Australia can strengthen and diversify its supply chains and create economic opportunities.
Applications are now open, with ARENA running an information webinar for potential applicants in the coming weeks. For webinar dates or more information on Solar Sunshot, including program guidelines, eligibility requirements, and key dates, click here.
