Enhancing renewable technologies

Renewables Australia

The Government will establish a new renewable technology innovation body — Renewables Australia — with an initial funding allocation of $465 million over four years. Renewables Australia will support the development, commercialisation and deployment of new and existing renewable technologies.

Renewables Australia will facilitate investment across the whole innovation chain, including investment in high priority research and in essential renewable‑related systems such as renewable energy transmission infrastructure.

A new specialist board with expertise in research, venture capital, intellectual property and commercialisation will be established to oversee investments. This will ensure that investments with long‑term strategic significance are identified and properly supported.

Solar Flagships

The Government will establish a new Solar Flagships program with funding of $1.5 billion over six years that will invest in large‑scale solar electricity generation projects. Through the development of up to four major projects the program will demonstrate solar at a capacity of 1,000 MW, which is similar in scale to that of a large coal‑fired power station.

A Solar Flagships manager will be selected by a competitive process and will manage the development and operation of the power stations as an integrated commercial enterprise.

Together with the existing $100 million Australian Solar Institute, the new Solar Flagships program reflects the Government's commitment to realise Australia's solar energy potential.

The Clean Energy Initiative will complement the Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme and expanded 20 per cent Renewable Energy Target and will enhance Australia's presence in the renewable and low‑emissions technology field.