ARENA launches Future Fuels Fund

On behalf of the Australian Government, the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) has launched the AUD71.9 million (US$57.01 million) Future Fuels Fund, announced as part of the 20/21 Federal Budget, aimed at addressing barriers to the roll-out of new vehicle technologies. 

The first round of the Fund will see AUD16.5 million (USD13.05 million) of grant funding made available to fund battery electric vehicle (BEV) public fast-charging infrastructure to expand the network and reduce black spots.

The funding will be available to support the roll-out of networks of fast-charging stations (50 kW and above) across eight geographic areas including each Australian capital city, alongside large regional centers including Newcastle, Wollongong, the NSW Central Coast, Geelong, Gold Coast, and Sunshine Coast. Each regional location is expected to receive at least four fast-charging stations. Applicants should seek to maximize coverage of their fast-charging stations across these geographic areas.

In the first round of funding, ARENA is requesting applications that ensure coverage across the geographic areas, will maximize private sector investment, and can be delivered within two years. Fast charging stations will also need to be powered by renewable energy.

Applications for the initial round are now open and will close on Tuesday 6 April 2021. Interested applicants should review the Future Fuels Round 1 Guidelines located on the ARENA Future Fuels Fund website.