Funding ultra low cost solar technology
Up to $40 million is being made available through the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) to support research and development of solar PV technology. This is to deliver ‘Solar 30 30 30’, the government’s target of 30% module efficiency and a cost of 30 cents per installed watt at utility scale by 2030.
The Hon Angus Taylor MP, Minister for Industry, Energy and Emissions Reduction, said that ultra low cost solar will help lower the cost of electricity in Australia and achieve net zero emissions by 2050.
'The Morrison Government is accelerating Australian innovation and ingenuity in solar R&D to drive down the electricity bills of households and industry sectors,' Minister Taylor said.
The Hon Tim Wilson MP, Assistant Minister to the Minister for Industry, Energy and Emissions Reduction, said Australians should be proud they’re taking up the climate challenge and investing in rooftop solar to be part of the solution.
Ultra low cost solar as one of the six priority technologies under the Low Emissions Technology Statement 2021. It will facilitate cost reductions for other clean energy technologies, including clean hydrogen, energy storage and low emissions materials.
Since 2012, ARENA through its R&D programs has committed close to $105 million in grant funding to over 70 projects.
Applications for expressions of interest for the Ultra Low Cost Solar R&D Funding Round will open in February 2022 with applications due by 11 April 2022.
Read more
