ARENA – $59M Funding boost for hydrogen and low emissions iron & steel research.
On behalf of the Australian Government, the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) today announced it has awarded $59.1 million in funding across 21 research projects to support research and development (R&D) and commercialisation activities covering renewable hydrogen and low emissions iron & steel.
The funding has been provided to research teams from some of Australia’s top universities, research organisations, startups and companies.
ARENA CEO Darren Miller said funding early-stage R&D and pushing innovation was at the core of ARENA’s mission in supporting the global transition to net zero emissions.
Darren Miller, ARENA CEO, said:
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An initial $25 million in funding was provided for each of the two funding rounds – Renewable Hydrogen and Iron & Steel. Due to the quality of applications, ARENA has increased the total funding amount to $59.1 million. Grant funding for each successful applicant ranges between $1.3 million and $5 million.
Funding for the R&D projects will be provided over two stages, an initial core research stage followed by a research commercialisation stage aimed at scaling up and demonstrating application of research breakthroughs in the market.
Mr Miller said:
“ARENA has a strong track record in funding and supporting early-stage innovation. Through our strategic priorities, we have highlighted the importance of renewable hydrogen and low emissions metals growing to become a significant export industry,”
“Innovation starts in the lab, and we have the best minds taking our decarbonisation efforts to the next level – to the benefit of all Australians through jobs, lower emissions and cheaper energy.”
Australia is the world’s largest exporter of iron ore, supplying up to 53% of international exports each year. Decarbonisation through the iron & steel value chain will have a significant impact on global emissions reduction.
The Iron & Steel R&D round aims to support a step change in emissions abatement pathways in the production of iron and steel, and encourage additional research capacity in these sectors, facilitating collaboration between research groups and industry.
The Hydrogen R&D round aims to accelerate the commercialisation of renewable hydrogen through innovation in hydrogen production, storage and distribution technologies. Renewable hydrogen is also expected to play a large role in reducing emissions in hard-to-abate sectors like iron and steel production.
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ARENA – $59M Funding boost for hydrogen and low emissions iron & steel research. source
