Energy Innovation Fund

The Integrated Energy Plan (IEP) 2024-2030 [PDF 7.0 MB], released in June 2024, sets out the long-term vision for the transformation of the ACT’s energy system to achieve net zero emissions by 2045.

The IEP provides clear guidance for a coordinated and planned approach to phase out fossil fuel gas, electrify our city and ensure a “just transition”. Additionally, the work to decarbonise our homes, businesses and transport systems also highlights the significant implications for how we design, build and upgrade our city infrastructure and energy networks over the next two decades and beyond.

The Government highly values partnerships and the expertise within the Canberra community that can help solve key policy challenges. The Fund invites the business and research community to be part of the solution to accelerate the energy transformation in the ACT.

The Policy Challenge Grant proposals could include, but are not limited to:

• innovative policy options;
• innovative actions offered by industry;
• innovative financing mechanisms;
• collaborative trials or pilots to test proposed solutions;
• behavioural nudges and insights.

Ken Baldwin, Chair of the Energy Innovation Fund Industry Advisory Board, and the ACT Government’s Climate Change and Energy Policy team members discussed the 2025 Policy Challenge Grant themes in an online webinar in April 2025.

Proponents may wish to build upon work undertaken to support the release of the Integrated Energy Plan. Reports and modelling is provided at Energy Transition Modelling.

Innovation Ecosystem Grant

The two Innovation Ecosystem Grant categories signify the ACT Government’s priority for industry and economic development in Canberra.

Innovation Cluster

The ACT is internationally recognised for renewable energy innovation. ACT Government’s leadership has seen us secure a 100% renewable electricity supply; improve household energy efficiency; and attract significant local investment, business opportunities and drive economic development.

Building on the ACT’s thriving knowledge economy and a strong renewables presence, the ACT Government invites proposals to expand the ACT’s energy transition innovation ecosystem and strengthen the energy innovation industry capability.

Proposals may include avenues to better connect individuals and businesses in the energy innovation industry sector, innovation capacity building, as well as creating linkages with local, national, and international energy innovation and investment networks through new programs and events.

Business Accelerator

The ACT Government invites innovative proposals from businesses that support the development of a pioneering and nation-leading electrification industry in the ACT, with export potential.

• Learn2Fly received $750,000 to support the launch of a cutting-edge electric aircraft training and maintenance hub in the ACT, powered by 100% renewable energy and paving the way for sustainable regional air travel.
• Aratherm received $450,000 for their ‘Commercialising Electric Heat’ initiative which is tackling industrial decarbonisation by making electric heating solutions more viable, helping manufacturers cut gas use and boost energy resilience.
• CBRIN received $195,000 for their Accelerate Canberra’s Energy Transition (ACET) project which is powering Canberra’s energy future by connecting researchers, startups, students and investors to accelerate innovation in electrification, grid resilience, gas transition and recycling.

• Arup Australia received $270,000 for a project that aims to enhance the adoption of efficient electric heating and cooling solutions by developing practical tools and strategies that address noise mitigation.
• Advanced United Technologies received $662,010 to develop an Australian-made AI-driven online battery health monitoring system that will improve the safety, reliability, and sustainability of lithium batteries.
• University of Canberra received $255,452.78 for a project that will identify behavioural and structural policy options to speed a just transition for ACT households from gas to electric appliances, taking climate change mitigation and adaptation needs into account.
• Flash Home Energy received $33,344.36 to support the development of innovative technology that will help renters to understand their energy needs, use and costs through real time data.
• The Australian National University received $465,692 to develop a holistic and integrated apartment decarbonisation tool for decision-makers.
• New Frontier Technologies received $750,143 for a project to develop an innovative storage solution for hydrogen.
• RenewMap received $300,000 to support further development of their web-mapping platform that connects projects across the Australian and New Zealand energy landscape.

• PV Lab Australia received $214,374 to reduce the number of photovoltaic panels going to landfill by addressing causes of panel degradation and barriers to reuse.
• Spark3D received $254,184 to develop advanced additive manufacturing techniques for applications in next-generation photovoltaics and batteries.
• Hydrogen Renewable Energy Australia (HYREA) received $253,552 to develop a proof-of-concept hydrogen fuel-cell electric boat with on-board and on-demand green hydrogen production facilities.
• Zeppelin Bend received $250,000 to develop a web-based tool for identifying, prioritising, and analysing electricity network constraints to map out locations for network-connected battery projects.
• FlexeGraph received $180,000 to adapt its nano-coolant technology for application in battery technology to limit thermal shocks.
• Aqacia received $82,341 to proceed with commercial trials of its machine learning technology which uses image recognition and classification to quality-control solar panels.

• PV Lab Australia received $219,830 to develop a new, accredited, Australia first PV module testing facility.

• FlexeGraph received $135,000 to create a nano-fluid that will exceed the performance of traditional coolants, increasing energy efficiency and longevity in a range of applications.
• Smart Blox received $50,441 to develop modular solar panel and battery units in simple ‘plug and play’ blox.
• Evenergi received $235,000 to develop a model for heavy electric emulation and optimisation using real life data. J
• Evoenergy received $250,000 to provide 75 customers in the Ginninderry greenfield development with battery subsidies.
• ITP Power received $88,040 to develop a web-based energy storage optimisation tool that models the performance of PV systems and battery storage for residential, commercial customers or micro- and mini-grids.
• ITP Thermal received $135,000 to develop and commercialise large-scale hydrogen storage in vertical shafts.

• PV Lab Australia received $63,070 to develop an Australian first testing for solar panel potential induced degradation (PID).
• ITP Thermal received $95,000 to develop solar energy storage solutions with ammonia.
• Reposit received $250,000 to develop and apply microgrid technology for solar and battery customers.
• ITP Renewables received $60,000 for modelling pathways to a low-carbon National Electricity Market.
• Solcast received $287,000 for rapid scaling and improvement of solar farm forecasting.
• Eco Spectral received $110,000 to develop a system for residential, commercial and city-wide energy management using artificial intelligence and data analytics.