Funding to support industrial electrification in Victoria’s food and beverage manufacturing sector, fostering innovation, boosting productivity, cutting emissions, and progressing towards Victoria’s legislated net-zero targets.
Current status of program
Opening Soon
Application dates will be announced soon.
To register your interest in seeking our assistance with applying, please contact us here.
On this page you will find
What is the Energy Innovation Fund?
Round 3 of the Energy Innovation Fund (EIF) has been announced with a $10 million allocation, focusing specifically on industrial electrification projects within the food and beverage manufacturing sector. This targeted round is intended to support businesses to reduce reliance on fossil fuels by electrifying industrial processes, contributing to Victoria’s legislated net-zero by 2045 target.
The EIF has previously supported large-scale renewable energy initiatives, including offshore wind feasibility studies, bioenergy projects, renewable hydrogen pilots, and grid-scale battery storage. These earlier rounds provide a strong foundation for Round 3, which now shifts its attention to industrial decarbonisation.
Energy Innovation Fund level of support
- The Victorian Government has allocated $10 million in total funding for Round 3.
- Minimum and maximum funding amounts are to be confirmed once guidelines are available.
- Co-contribution details are to be confirmed as they become available.
Energy Innovation Fund important dates
- Applications open: September 2025 (anticipated)
- Applications close: November 2025 (anticipated)
- Funding agreements executed: Mid–2026 (anticipated)
- Register your interest with GrantHelper
Energy Innovation Fund objectives
The Energy Innovation Fund (EIF) aims to:
- Support Victoria’s net-zero emissions by 2045 target.
- Accelerate commercialisation of emerging, innovative, and transformational energy technologies.
- Reduce long-term consumer costs of achieving net zero.
- Build diversity and resilience in Victoria’s energy system
Projects and expenditure eligible for Energy Innovation Fund support
Eligible Projects
- Confirmed for Round 3: Projects must address industrial electrification, with a focus on the food and beverage manufacturing sector.
- Based on earlier rounds (to be confirmed): Projects included feasibility and pre-investment studies, front-end engineering design, large-scale pilots and demonstrations, plant installation, and knowledge-sharing activities.
Ineligible Expenditure (based on earlier rounds, to be confirmed)
- Purchase of property.
- Research and development not tied to deployment or commercialisation.
- Costs incurred before the signing of a funding agreement or after project completion.
- Upgrades to existing renewable projects that don’t materially increase capacity.
- Activities directly related to planning assessments
Guidelines are expected soon. We’ll update this post with confirmed details once they’re available.
Other Energy Innovation Fund important details that you will need to know
Organisations eligible for Energy Innovation Fund support
Based on previous rounds (to be confirmed):
- Australian incorporated entities.
- State or Territory government-owned corporations or councils.
- Commonwealth entities.
- Foreign-owned companies may be eligible if operating in Victoria and compliant with requirements.
Applicants must also:
- Hold an ABN.
- Be financially viable throughout project life.
- Comply with employment, workplace, insurance, and gender equality obligations.
- Hold rights to intellectual property necessary for the project.
Guidelines are expected soon. We’ll update this post with confirmed details once they’re available.
Energy Innovation Fund assessment criteria
To be confirmed in Round 3 guidelines. Based on Round 1 & 2, applications were assessed against six merit criteria:
1. Supporting the energy transition – contribution to net zero by 2050
- Demonstrates alignment with Victoria’s energy strategy.
- Potential to become commercially mature post-2025.
- Ability to deliver zero-emissions outcomes or support a zero-emissions grid
2. Pathway to commercial operations
- Clear financial, technical, environmental, and regulatory feasibility.
- Risk identification and mitigation strategies.
- Scalability and staging options.
- Track record in similar projects
3. Economic impact and community support
- Local and regional economic benefits, including supply chains.
- Job creation and timing of benefits.
- Evidence of community engagement and trust-building
4. Innovation and knowledge sharing
- Demonstrates innovative technology or business model.
- Strong commitment to industry knowledge sharing and reporting
5. Firming and supporting the network
- Contribution to system reliability and security.
- Consideration of network upgrade costs and integration into the NEM.
- Neutral impact for off-grid projects such as green hydrogen
6. Financial viability and commercial attractiveness
- Demonstrated need for funding.
- Pathway to a viable business case.
- Competitiveness of delivered cost of energy.
- Contribution to wholesale market competition
Note: The Victorian Government has not released percentage weightings for these criteria.
How do I get the Energy Innovation Fund?
Applicants must:
- Read and understand the guidelines.
- Ensure eligibility for the funding. Applicants that do not meet all the eligibility criteria will not be considered.
- Deliver the project/s as outlined in the application.
- Provide complete information requirements.
To maximise your chances of success, applicants should demonstrate:
- Eligibility – compliance with all applicant and project eligibility requirements.
- Alignment – a clear contribution to Victoria’s net-zero emissions targets and the goals of the Fund.
- Commercial readiness – evidence of a pathway from feasibility through to commercialisation, with Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 9 and Commercial Readiness Index (CRI) 2–5 (based on earlier rounds, to be confirmed).
- Financial viability – a robust business case, evidence of co-contributions, and ability to deliver the project within budget and on time.
- Risk management – clear identification of project risks with realistic mitigation strategies.
- Economic and community benefits – demonstration of job creation, local supply chain participation, and meaningful community engagement.
- Innovation and knowledge sharing – details of innovative approaches and a commitment to share learnings with the State.
- System impact – where relevant, contribution to grid reliability, security, and integration with the National Electricity Market.
Information to prepare for the Energy Innovation Fund application
Applicants should prepare the following:
- Project budget (using government templates).
- Project delivery schedule.
- Knowledge Sharing Plan.
- Risk register.
- Evidence of financing and co-contributions.
- Any required permits or approvals.
Guidelines are expected soon. We’ll update this post with confirmed details once they’re available.
Applying for the Energy Innovation Fund
Applications must be lodged via the online grant management portal once Round 3 opens.
Guidelines are expected soon. We’ll update this post with confirmed details once they’re available.
Register your interest with GrantHelper to explore your alignment with this grant and how we can assist you to increase your chances of success.
Energy Innovation Fund resources
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