Grants and incentives - what's new and what's closing soon?
Energy briefing update - March 2022
The start of 2022 has seen a number of energy-focussed subsidies and grants relevant for businesses, including rebates for investing in energy storage (ACT), switching to solar (VIC), and building efficiency ratings (NSW). Electric vehicle incentives are now available across the country: for individual vehicle purchases from government in NSW, SA and VIC, and for upgrading light and heavy vehicle fleets nationally from the federal government.
Browse these and other grants and support available to business from government below:
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national
EXPANDED – ARENA’S Future Fuels Program
The Australian Government’s Future Fuels initiative, recently expanded with a further $177.7 million, has reopened with a dedicated program to shift fleet operators to zero emissions vehicles (ZEVs). The focus of the grant is too support integration of Battery electric vehicles (BEVs) into light and heavy vehicle fleets and commercialising hydrogen as a transport fuel.
Learn more here.
Open – Business Energy Advice Program (BEAP)
BEAP is a free energy advisory program for small businesses – 6-20 employees, or 0-20 employees for businesses that have been adversely affected by drought – across Australia that delivers face-to-face and phone consultations, helping them to discover industry specific energy saving opportunities.
Find out more here.
ACT
NEW - Next Generation Energy Storage
The Next Generation Energy Storage program provides rebates for ACT homes and businesses’ battery storage systems. To be eligible, you will need to be connected to the electricity grid, be coupled with solar panels, and include a new or existing inverter that meets the requirements. Investing in storing solar power will lower costs and reduce your overall energy demand.
Find out more here.
New South Wales
New - INCENTIVES FOR SWITCHING TO ELECTRIC VEHICLES
Rebates of $3,000 are available through the NSW Government for the first 25,000 new battery electric and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles purchased for less than $68,750, inclusive of GST. This applies to cars registered any time after 1 September 2021.
By switching to an electric vehicle, businesses will also benefit from a stamp duty removal and savings in running costs of up to $7,500 a year.
You can apply here.
CLOSING SOON - NABERS ENERGY STARTERS
The National Australian Built Environment Rating System (NABERS) provides buildings with a rating from one to six stars for energy efficiency, helping owners understand their energy performance compared to other similar buildings. The under the Energy Starters offer, NSW Government will provide a financial contribution of up to $3,000 in administration and Assessor fees to support businesses to receive their first-ever NABERS Energy rating, supporting them on their journey to improve energy performance and sustainability.
Applications close 31 March 2022. Contact a NABERS Assessor to learn more and apply here.
New - Sustainable Water Partner Program
Businesses can use a significant amount of energy for heating water. Companies in Ballina, Byron, Lismore and Richmond Valley local government areas are eligible for a rebate to improve their water efficiency, which will in turn help reduce energy consumption.
Up to $25,000 in rebates are available for projects that save money by reducing water, waste and sewage.
Learn more here.
South Australia
NEW - INCENTIVES FOR ELECTRIC VEHICLES
The South Australian government has introduced an electric vehicle subsidy package, including $3,000 subsidies and a three-year registration exemption for purchasing eligible new battery-electric and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles. As of 25 January 2022, 6,950 electric vehicle subsidies were remaining.
Additional grants are also available for building smart charging stations. These are in addition to the $18.3 million implementation of South Australia’s Electric Vehicle Action Plan.
Learn more here.
OPEN - LEAD EDUCATE ASSIST PROMOTE (LEAP) - GRANTS SA
Be a leader in the South Australian energy landscape by applying for a Lead Educate Assist Promote (LEAP) grant. Eligible industry associations, peak industry bodies, registered business groups or companies, and local government areas (LGAs) can apply for a grant that promotes resource efficiency in South Australia.
The grant focuses on circular economy principles and promoting organisations with strong business connections in SA. Up to $100,000 is available per successful applicant. Grants close 30 June 2022 or when all funds are allocated, whichever occurs first.
Contact a Green Industries SA program manager to discuss a project and request an application here.
Victoria
NEW - SMALL BUSINESS ENERGY SAVER PROGRAM
Small businesses wishing to improve the energy efficiency of their equipment can now apply for bonuses of up to $2,000.
Discounts can be applied to equipment such as heat pumps, water heaters, refrigerators, and upright freezers, helping small businesses save on energy bills and reduce emissions.
Learn more here.
NEW - SOLAR FOR BUSINESS
Start the transition to renewables today by taking advantage of rebates for rooftop solar for small businesses through Solar Victoria. Currently available to building owners, with plans to expand to renters, rebates are available for up to 50 per cent of the net cost of a rooftop solar system, to a maximum value of $3,500.
Expressions of interest are open now. With less than 1,500 available as of March 2022, this is the time to invest in solar energy and save on energy costs.
Learn more here.
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About Navigating a dynamic energy landscape
There is an enormous amount of information on energy in the public domain, yet it can be hard for business leaders to extract what matters for their businesses.
Navigating a dynamic energy landscape: a briefing for Australian businesses is an executive-level briefing designed to cut through the noise and help businesses confidently navigate Australia’s dynamic energy landscape.
The sector spotlights and other resources that accompany the briefing exist to support this aim.
This initiative is delivered by the Energy Efficiency Council with the support of industry and the NSW Department of Planning and Environment.
To learn more visit energybriefing.org.au.