Grants up to $5 million for large energy users to undertake engineering and feasibility studies to identify opportunities to lower energy costs and reduce emissions.
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What is the Industrial Energy Transformation Studies Program?
The IETS Program provides $43 million in funding to assist large energy users to undertake engineering and feasibility studies to identify opportunities to lower energy costs and reduce emissions at their facilities.
Funding will be made available to companies and organisations in the agriculture, mining, manufacturing, gas supply, water supply, waste services and data centre sectors.
The Program is designed to help operators of industrial facilities to progress toward implementing energy efficiency and/or renewable energy solutions at the nominated facility.
Grant funding will be provided in two streams:
- Stream A – Feasibility Studies: A Feasibility Study aims to provide an independent assessment that examines all aspects of a proposed Project, including technical, economic, financial, legal, and environmental considerations. The Study should demonstrate the economic case for the technology and associated energy or emission reductions while ensuring that the technological barriers are identified and are manageable.
- Stream B – Engineering Studies: Engineering (or FEED) Studies have the purpose of providing sufficient Project detail to enable a Final Investment Decision to be made and a subsequent EPC (Engineering, Procurement and Construction) contract to be executed.
IETS level of support
Grants
Stream A: Feasibility Studies
- Minimum grant amount – $100,000
- Maximum grant amount – $500,000
- Funding up to 50% of eligible project expenditure available
Stream B: Engineering Studies
- Minimum grant amount – $250,000
- Maximum grant amount – $5 million
- Funding up to 50% of eligible project expenditure available
Co-contribution
- Applicants are expected to provide a combination of cash and in-kind contributions
- Studies which require lesser contributions from ARENA may be considered of higher merit
IETS important dates
- The IETS is an open, ongoing program which will run until funds are exhausted or otherwise terminated or extended at the discretion of ARENA
- Register your interest here with GrantHelper
IETS important details that you will need to know
IETS objective
The program aims to support feasibility and engineering studies and associated metering which can enable an investment decision in energy efficiency and renewable energy solutions for industrial processes which will:
- deliver a transformational improvement in industrial energy efficiency as compared to business as usual energy use; and/or
- deliver a transformational increase in renewable energy use as compared to business as usual energy use; and
- deliver transformational reduction in greenhouse gas emissions below business as usual emissions, and
- demonstrate high replicability potential across similar industrial settings.
Organisations eligible for IETS support
To be eligible for funding, your organisation must hold an Australian Business Number (ABN) and be one of the following:
- an Australian entity incorporated under the Corporation Act 2001 (Cth); or
- an Australian State or Territory owned corporation or a subsidiary of an Australian state or territory owned corporation; or
- an Australian local government or council.
ARENA is targeting Studies from organisations which align to one or more of the following ANZSIC sectors:
- Agriculture;
- Mining (excluding coal mining and oil & gas extraction)
- Manufacturing;
- Gas Supply;
- Water Supply, Sewerage and Drainage Services;
- Waste Collection, Treatment and Disposal Services; or
- Data Centres.
See the guidelines for full details of organisations eligible for IETS support.
Activities eligible for IETS support
Applicants may choose to focus on energy efficiency or renewable energy activities, or both.
ARENA will not fund the following study activities:
- options analysis, opportunity assessments or trade studies (trade-off studies);
- repair and maintenance projects that would be undertaken in the normal course of business;
- plant closure projects;
- measures that are not integral to the industrial process, including but not limited to:
-
- building lighting;
- building space heating and cooling;
- electricity generation, such as solar, wind, or combined heat and power without renewable fuel switching;
- other technologies not incorporating energy efficiency or renewable energy technologies (or enabling technologies).
See the guidelines for full details of activities eligible for IETS support.
IETS assessment criteria
Each of the following Merit Criterion will be weighted equally:
- The extent to which the Study will contribute to the Objectives as set out in the Guidelines.
- The capability and capacity of the Applicant, Study Partners and Study Key Personnel to deliver the Study.
- The strength of the Study design, in terms of meeting the proposed objectives within the timeframe and budget set out in the Proposal.
- Value for money and co-funding commitment to the Study.
See the guidelines for full details of the assessment criteria.
How do I get the IETS?
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.
Successful applicants demonstrate the following:
- demonstrate the four merit criteria listed in the guidelines
- require lesser contributions from ARENA (to be considered of higher merit)
- provide all information requested
- include all necessary attachments
Information to prepare for the IETS application
There are two key parts to the submission:
- The online application form found at the ARENANet Portal
- The Study Plan providing the detail of the proposed Study. This must also be attached through the ARENANet Portal
Attach the following templates to your submission to be eligible for funding:
- Funding Agreement Compliance Table
- Risk Management Plan
Refer to the relevant program guidelines for the full list of required attachments that must be included with your application to meet the merit criteria requirements.
Applying for the IETS
Applicants can commence an online application by going to ARENA’s online portal, ARENANet.
Register your interest here with GrantHelper to explore your alignment with this grant and how we can assist you to increase your chances of success.
IETS resources
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