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Funding Options

Clean Energy Finance Corp

The Clean Energy Finance Corp (CEFC) makes it easier for businesses and consumers to secure finance to transform their energy use.

The CEFC runs a range of programs targeting clean energy and energy efficiency improvements for small businesses, manufacturers and the agricultural sector, as well as small-scale commercial property. It also partners with external organisations to provide access to funding via co-financing.

ARENA Funding

ARENA is the Australian Renewable Energy Agency. ARENA was established by the Australian Government in 2012 to support the global transition to net zero emissions by accelerating the pace of pre-commercial innovation, to the benefit of Australian consumers, businesses and workers. ARENA has a number of on-going funding opportunities available.

A list of current opportunities can be found on the ARENA website or relevant funding opportunities for the Manufacturing sector are as follows:

Advancing Renewables Program 

The Advancing Renewables Program supports a range of development, demonstration and pre-commercial deployment projects. This includes opportunities to optimise the transition to renewable electricity, commercialise clean hydrogen and support the transition to low emissions metals.

Regional Australia Microgrid Pilots Program 

In October 2020, the Australian Government announced the $50 million Regional Australia Microgrid Pilots Program (RAMPP) to support pilot demonstrations of microgrids in regional and remote areas. The Regional Australia Microgrid Pilots Program (RAMPP) supports pilot demonstrations of microgrid technologies in rural and regional Australia.

Industrial Energy Transformation Studies Program

In October 2020, the Australian Government announced $2.47 billion in funding for measures that aim to lower energy prices, reduce emissions and boost the economy. The Industrial Energy Transformation Studies Program aims to assist large energy users to undertake studies to identify opportunities to lower energy costs and reduce emissions.

Other Financing Arrangements

There are a range of financing arrangements available to businesses that could help you to progress towards your energy and commercial goals, including:

  • Loan financing, such as traditional loans and other arrangements to avoid upfront costs, with repayments made using the savings generated from an energy efficiency project.
  • Leasing equipment, which helps to avoid upfront costs and manage energy efficiency projects within your operating budget.
  • On-bill financing, which allows businesses to install and upgrade energy efficiency equipment, financed by the energy utility, with no up-front capital costs. Repayments are made by your business through your monthly power bill and ownership is transferred on final payment of the finance.
  • Energy Performance Contracts, where energy service companies guarantee reduced energy bills for commercial tenants by identifying potential savings in a building’s operations, commissioning and funding a retrofit of the building, and using the energy saved to fund the upfront.
  • Power purchase agreements (PPAs), which lets businesses directly procure renewable energy generation at cheaper than retail rates without needing to purchase a system themselves. PPAs also offer energy price security through a fixed pricing contract and are therefore well suited to meeting large, long-term energy demands over 10 to 15 years. Electricity bill savings of up to 40% may be possible with well negotiated PPAs, which can also help to market green credentials. A successful PPA requires an in-depth understanding of the energy market and industry players. Expert assistance is advised.

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