Energy Technologies Manufacturing Program

The program objectives:

• Increase Victorian zero and low emissions energy technologies manufacturing capacity
• Victorian businesses adopt and integrate new advanced manufacturing capabilities in product development and manufacturing that contribute to Victoria’s transition to net zero and low emissions.
• Support the creation of new jobs and skills development required to support the manufacture of net zero and low emissions technologies

The program outcomes:

• More components and products in net zero and low emissions energy technologies are made in Victoria
• Improved capability of Victorian manufacturers to use new and advanced technologies to make components and products to support the transition to net zero emissions.
• Businesses develop advanced skills to support a highly skilled, diverse and inclusive future manufacturing workforce.

Applicants must meet the following criteria to be eligible for assistance under the program:

• be an eligible legal entity; and
• hold an Australian Business Number (ABN); and
• be an employing business registered for WorkCover insurance with WorkSafe Victoria; and
• agree to meet any co-contribution requirements with eligible cash expenditure
• be currently engaged in manufacturing or the manufacturing supply chain or demonstrate a genuine commercial connection to the manufacturing supply chain in Victoria.

The following are not eligible to apply:

• individuals
• Commonwealth, state and local government agencies or bodies
• publicly funded research institutions
• industry associations or business chambers
• not-for-profit organisations
• community-based organisations
• joint applications.

See the guidelines for full details of organisations eligible for ETMP support.

To be eligible, the project must involve the development or purchase of new equipment, processes, skills, or technology that directly support the making of products or components that will help Victoria transition to net zero. Funding may support, but is not limited to:

• the purchase of capital equipment
• technology adoption and associated project expenditure

Projects that cannot demonstrate an increase in the productivity and scale of production of zero and low emissions manufacturing technologies are ineligible. This includes:

• projects that are limited to emissions reductions/efficiency projects of the business site e.g., solar panels, heating and cooling upgrades, end of life or business as usual equipment upgrades.

See the guidelines for full details of projects eligible for ETMP support.

Eligible project expenditure includes:

• capital expenditure (e.g., manufacturing machinery, equipment, and technology)
• other project-related non-capitalised expenditure (e.g., related to product and process improvements, evaluation and testing of new products and processes, technology development and supply chain capability development)
• minor building alterations and fit-out costs
• training specific to the technology (external costs only)
• labour and contractors related to the delivery of the project (but do not include internal salaries).

Eligible project expenditure must:

• be incurred by the grant recipient within 12 months of execution of the Grant Agreement
• be a direct cost of the project
• be exclusive of Goods and Services Tax (GST).

The program is not intended to support projects which involve:

• routine replacement or a minor upgrade of plant and equipment
• purchase of vehicles
• routine operational expenses, including, communications, accommodation, office computing facilities or software, printing and stationery, postage, legal and accounting fees, and bank charges
• costs related to preparing the grant application, preparing any project reports, and preparing any project variation requests
• projects where the primary purpose relates to offshore or interstate manufacturing
• building websites, marketing, sales, and promotional activities
• early-stage Research and Development (R&D) activities
• expenditure that is incurred prior to the project commencing
• internal salaries
• entertainment cost
• land acquisition.
• expenditure where other grants or subsidies are available e.g. Solar for Business Program

See the guidelines for full details of expenditure eligible for ETMP support.

All project applications will be assessed against the following criteria:

1. Capability and Impact (40%)

• will support their business to supply manufactured inputs for renewable energy generation, transmission, storage and transportation (including, but not limited to wind, hydro, batteries, hydrogen, solar)
• create new sovereign manufacturing capability in renewable energy generation, transmission, storage and transportation components
• will increase resilience against energy supply chain disruptions

2. Skills development and Jobs (10%)

• the creation of sustainable and high value new jobs during the project period
• the support of skills development and transition employees into higher value/skilled roles
• the provision of more secure employment pathways for existing and future employees

3. Evidence of Market demand (20%)

• meets local and global demand for components and products in zero and low emissions technologies

4. Need for Government support (15%)

• enable or bring forward activity which could otherwise not be undertaken
• support the leveraging of other funding, including private investment
• fill a lack of resourcing from other sources to fund the project
• accelerate time to market

5. Ability to Deliver the Project (15%)

• a project delivery plan, evidencing that the project can be delivered within 12 months
• identified project partners such as suppliers, technical resources, skills, and other capabilities to deliver the project
• a project budget including details of co-contribution funds

See the guidelines for full details of the assessment criteria.

You should read and understand the guidelines.

You need to ensure you are eligible for the funding. Applicants that do not meet all the eligibility criteria outlined above will not be considered.

You need to attest that you:

• agree to conduct the proposed activities in Victoria
• have met all industrial relations obligations as an employer in accordance with the National Employment Standards; and
• will participate in future program evaluation activity; and
• will provide financial reports as defined in section 5.5 of the guidelines to enable the Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions (the department) to conduct a Financial Risk Assessment (FRA).
• will comply with the requirements of the Fair Jobs Code if applicable.

Applicants will be required to provide as part of their application a project delivery plan which includes the following:

• project description
• overview of the implementation timeline
• detail of the timing of the creation of new jobs and upskilling of existing employees
• evidence of sufficient internal resources to allocate to the project
• preferred supplier(s), where applicable
• any project risks and mitigation strategies
• budget summary (detailing how grant funds and the applicant’s contribution will be spent on eligible project expenditure, as GST exclusive)
• evidence of commercial viability which could include but is not limited to:
  1. quotations
  2. market analysis for products
  3. offtake agreements

Applicants will also be required to provide evidence of co-contribution and evidence of financial records.

See the guidelines for full details of information requirements.

Applicants can submit an application online at the Business Victoria programs webpage at business.vic.gov.au/etmp.

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