Quad Clean Energy Supply Chain Diversification Program

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Grants up to $2.5 million to support Australia’s clean energy transition by promoting resilience and diversification in solar PV, hydrogen electrolyser, and battery supply chains.

Current status of program

CLOSED

To register your interest in future rounds or discuss alternative grant opportunities please contact us here.

What is the Clean Energy Supply Chain Diversification Program?

The Clean Energy Supply Chain Diversification Program – Round 1 (CESCDP) is a targeted competitive grant program supporting Australia’s clean energy transition by promoting resilience and diversification in solar PV, hydrogen electrolyser, and battery supply chains. Established under the Quad Clean Energy Supply Chain initiative, the program addresses key vulnerabilities in these supply chains across the Indo-Pacific region.

Clean Energy Supply Chain Diversification Program level of support

  • Minimum funding amount: $100,000
  • Maximum funding amount: $2,500,000
  • Co-contribution required: Grant funding covers up to 95% of total eligible expenditure. Applicants must contribute at least 5% of eligible costs. Contributions can be cash or in-kind, with higher contributions viewed favourably.

Clean Energy Supply Chain Diversification Program important dates

Clean Energy Supply Chain Diversification Program objectives

The CESCDP aims to:

  • Develop and diversify solar PV, hydrogen electrolyser, and battery supply chains in the Indo-Pacific.
  • Address vulnerabilities within these supply chains to improve resilience.
  • Accelerate investment-ready projects to drive innovation, reduce costs, and enhance efficiencies.

Projects and expenditure eligible for Clean Energy Supply Chain Diversification Program support

Eligible projects must focus on developing, diversifying, or improving supply chains in solar PV, hydrogen electrolyser, or batteries. Supported activities include:

  • Research and development (e.g., innovative technologies and processes to reduce costs or material dependencies).
  • Feasibility studies to assess prospective manufacturing or recycling facilities.
  • Knowledge-sharing initiatives, workshops, and training programs to foster expertise and collaboration.

Ineligible expenditures include:

  • Resource extraction and plant construction.
  • Costs related to electric vehicle production or decommissioning sites.
  • Recurring operational expenses (e.g., insurance, rent, and routine maintenance).
  • Preparation costs for the grant application or variation requests.

Other Clean Energy Supply Chain Diversification Program important details that you will need to know

To be eligible, lead applicants must:

  • Be an Australian organisation with an ABN and a bank account in Australia.
  • Be incorporated or registered under an eligible Australian structure (e.g., a company limited by guarantee, not-for-profit organisation, or publicly funded research organisation).

 

Applications must be submitted as part of a consortium, which must include at least one organisation from an Indo-Pacific economy listed in the guidelines.

Applicants will be assessed on four criteria, each contributing to the overall score:

1. Alignment with Program Objectives and Outcomes (30%)

  • Demonstrate how the project addresses diversification, resilience, or investment-readiness of supply chains.
  • Show alignment with broader Quad Principles, such as clean energy workforce needs and ESG practices.

 

2. Capacity, Capability, and Resources (30%)

  • Provide evidence of your and your partners’ experience and capacity to deliver similar projects.
  • Submit a detailed project plan, governance arrangements, and risk management strategies.

 

3. Impact of Grant Funding (20%)

  • Highlight how the grant will enhance the project’s scope or timing and the amount of co-investment leveraged.
  • Discuss broader economic, social, and environmental benefits.

 

4. National Security Risk Management (20%)

  • Outline strategies to address risks, including export controls, intellectual property protection, and foreign affiliations.
  • Provide a detailed risk management plan.

 

Applications can be submitted via the business.gov.au portal. All mandatory attachments must be included, such as:

  • A detailed project plan.
  • Budget and funding evidence.
  • Risk management and financial viability documentation.
  • Letters of support from consortium partners.

 

Before applying, ensure you:

  • Have completed due diligence on all project partners.
  • Have assessed modern slavery risks and ESG considerations.
  • Can provide supporting documentation, including accountant declarations and trust deeds (if applicable).

 

Applications are submitted through the online portal at business.gov.au.

Register your interest with GrantHelper to explore your alignment with this grant and how we can assist you to increase your chances of success.

Clean Energy Supply Chain Diversification Program resources

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