Emerging Energy Program

The Emerging Energy Program encourages private sector investment to support the next generation of large-scale electricity and storage projects in NSW. 

The program is technology neutral and eligible projects must demonstrate that they can provide dispatchable or on-demand energy to help meet the state’s energy needs. Eligibility criteria are provided on pages 11 to 13 of the program guidelines. 

For more information see the program guidelines and the frequently asked questions. 

There are two funding streams to help speed up the development of projects to provide on-demand electricity now and into the future:

1. Capital projects stream

• Funding to assist with the construction of a dispatchable electricity project.
• Anticipated grant funding of up to $10 million per project, as a guide.

2. Pre-investment studies stream

• Funding for activities that will lead to development of a dispatchable electricity project.
• Anticipated grant funding of up to $500,000 per project, as a guide.

Project financial contributions are expected to at least match grant funding.

Applications for the pre-investment studies stream and expressions of interest for the capital projects stream are now open.

Please read the program guidelines and the frequently asked questions before completing your application. 

The application process for both streams is outlined below. 

Step 1. Registration

You must register each project you wish to submit for funding. Registration will remain open throughout the application submission period.

Register for pre-investment studies stream

Register for capital project stream

Step 2. Application

Once you have completed the registration form you will be emailed a link to the application form. You must follow this link to fill out an application form. 

Applications for both streams must be submitted by Tuesday 2 April 2019 at 5pm (AEDT).

Questions about the application forms can be submitted up to Friday 29 March 2019 at 5pm (AEDT).

You can preview the application documents below but must only use the link provided by email in order to submit an application through the online system. 

Application form and templates for capital projects EOI zip preview

Application form and templates for pre-investment studies application zip preview

Step 3. Assessment and notification of outcome

The diagram above shows the assessment process. Eligible projects will be assessed by the Department against the merit criteria. The Australian Energy Market Operator may provide technical advice which may inform the Department’s assessment. Applications will be assessed individually and may also be assessed in a portfolio analysis to determine the contribution to the program objectives.

It is expected that the outcomes of the pre-investment studies application stage and the capital projects expression of interest stage will be determined in the second quarter of 2019.

Opportunity for ARENA joint funding

Applicants are encouraged to apply for joint funding through both the Australian Renewable Energy Agency's (ARENA’s) Advancing Renewables Program and the Emerging Energy Program. Applicants intending to apply for joint funding will need to submit a separate application to ARENA, and we recommend that you consult with ARENA as soon as possible. More information is available on pages 9 and 10 of the program guidelines. 

If you have questions about the program, including the application process, please email emergingenergy.program [at] planning.nsw.gov.au.