Grants to support Australian production of renewable diesel and sustainable aviation fuel, boosting emissions reduction, fuel security, and regional jobs under a $1.1 billion initiative.
Current status of program
Opening Soon
Applications are expected to open soon.
To register your interest in seeking our assistance with applying, please contact us here.
On this page you will find
What is the Cleaner Fuels Program (CFP)?
Australia is investing in cleaner, greener transport with the newly announced Cleaner Fuels Program (CFP) which is a $1.1 billion, 10-year initiative to develop a domestic low carbon liquid fuels industry, including renewable diesel and sustainable aviation fuel.
Cleaner Fuels Program level of support
Grants:
- Total Program Funding: $1.1 billion
- Individual Grant Amounts: Not yet specified
- Minimum and maximum grant sizes will be detailed in the official grant guidelines when released.
Co-contribution:
- Co-contribution details have not yet been released and will be determined following the consultation and design process. Applicants should expect to demonstrate value for money and leverage of private investment.
Cleaner Fuels Program important dates
- Program Announced: 17 September 2025
- Public Consultation: FY2025–26
- First Funding Round Expected: FY2026–27
- First Fuel Production from Supported Projects: Estimated by 2029
- Register your interest with GrantHelper
Cleaner Fuels Program objectives
The Cleaner Fuels Program aims to:
- Support the onshore production of low carbon liquid fuels such as renewable diesel and sustainable aviation fuel
- Drive emissions reduction in transport and industrial sectors that are difficult to decarbonise, including aviation, freight, mining, and construction
- Strengthen Australia’s fuel security and supply chain resilience by reducing reliance on imported fossil fuels
- Stimulate private investment and innovation across regional and industrial Australia
- Leverage Australia’s competitive advantages in renewable energy and sustainable feedstock production
- Deliver community and regional economic benefits in line with the Future Made in Australia Act
Projects and expenditure eligible for Cleaner Fuels Program support
Eligible projects are expected to include:
- Commercial-scale production facilities for renewable diesel and SAF
- Processing infrastructure for low carbon feedstocks
- Supply chain developments that enhance domestic capability for LCLF production
Ineligible Expenditures
Specific exclusions are not yet defined. However, ineligible costs will likely be outlined in the grant guidelines and may include:
- Projects without demonstrated emissions impact
- Activities not based in Australia
- Projects that do not meet renewable fuel quality standards
Other Cleaner Fuels Program important details that you will need to know
Organisations eligible for Cleaner Fuels Program support
While final eligibility criteria will be confirmed following consultation, expected eligible applicants include:
- Australian-based companies or consortia
- Fuel producers establishing onshore production facilities
- Organisations converting Australian feedstocks (e.g. canola, tallow, sugarcane, agricultural waste) into renewable diesel, sustainable aviation fuel, or other LCLFs
Applicants must demonstrate alignment with community benefit principles under the Future Made in Australia Act.
Cleaner Fuels Program assessment criteria
The grant will be awarded through a competitive process. While detailed criteria are not yet released, applicants should expect to be assessed on:
- Commercial readiness and scalability
- Technical feasibility and innovation
- Emissions reduction potential
- Contribution to fuel security and resilience
- Use of Australian feedstocks and support for regional economies
- Alignment with national renewable fuel standards
- Delivery of community and economic benefits, as outlined under the Future Made in Australia Act
How do I get the Cleaner Fuels Program?
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.
Stay tuned for upcoming public consultation opportunities and the release of draft guidelines expected during the 2025–26 financial year.
Information to prepare for the Cleaner Fuels Program application
Applications are expected to open in 2026–27, following the release of program guidelines. In the meantime, prepare by ensuring your project:
- Supports the production of low carbon liquid fuels that are “drop-in” replacements for existing fuels
- Demonstrates use of Australian-based feedstocks
- Has a clear emissions reduction profile
- Contributes to local job creation and industry development
- Meets fuel quality and sustainability standards
- Aligns with government objectives under the Guarantee of Origin Scheme and Future Made in Australia Act
- Is technically and commercially feasible at scale
Applying for the Cleaner Fuels Program
Grant guidelines and application instructions will be published via:
- The Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW)
- The Australian Government’s GrantConnect portal
Register your interest with GrantHelper to explore your alignment with this grant and how we can assist you to increase your chances of success.
Cleaner Fuels Program resources
- Joint media release: Fuelling the future: $1.1 billion to power cleaner Aussie fuel production
- Register your interest
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