Boost for Canberra’s growing renewable sector

PRESS RELEASE

The ACT Government’s $12 million REIF is providing up to $2.5 million of funding to support innovation grant programs, including the successful Direct Grants program and a new Cleantech Co-funding scheme. REIF is an industry funded initiative specifically designed to help drive the long-term development of the ACT’s renewable energy industry.

“This is the perfect opportunity for the ACT Government to nurture new technologies by providing the kickstart needed for local projects,” Mr Rattenbury said.

“Investing in new and emerging technologies is key to building our growing renewable sector and addressing climate change while also supporting local businesses.

“The first round of REIF grants was able to kickstart successful projects such as new underground hydrogen storage solutions, new electricity market models that show how a low carbon future is possible, and a new test that will help ensure quality in the solar panel industry.

“The new Cleantech Co-funding scheme will provide ACT Government co-contributions to larger cleantech research, development and deployment projects that leverage significant additional industry or other grant funding.”

For more information and to apply for a REIF grant, visit: www.environment.act.gov.au/energy/growth-in-the-clean-economy or contact energypolicy@act.gov.au

Next Generation Energy Storage data platform

An online data platform is now available which shows the performance of every battery storage system installed through the Next Generation Energy Storage rebate program in the ACT.

“This is one of the largest data platforms of its kind in the world and contains real-time data on actual solar and battery systems in Canberra homes and businesses,” Mr Rattenbury said.

“This information will play a critical role in helping grow local battery research and development, managing the electricity network, and developing future battery storage initiatives.

“It will also have varying levels of access for different user groups and will be freely available to Canberra researchers and businesses.

“Battery storage is an important part of the ACT Government’s transition to 100% renewable electricity and our recently announced Climate Change Strategy.

“Stored energy can help support the grid at times of peak electricity demand, for instance during extreme heatwaves which are likely to become more frequent in the coming years.”

The data platform can be accessed at www.energydata.act.gov.au

More information on the Next Generation Energy Storage rebate can be found at https://bit.ly/NextGenBattery

Released 16.12.19