The Minister for Resources and Energy, Martin Ferguson AM MP, today announced the release of draft guidelines on the Clean Energy Program for public consultation.
Minister Ferguson said: "The Clean Energy Program aims to develop and advance Australia's research and development capabilities in clean energy technologies, with grants starting at $3 million. The grants are provided on a dollar-for-dollar basis and funding will be subject to competitive, merit-based processes.
"The $50 million Clean Energy Program (CEP) fulfils one of the Government's key election commitments under the $150 million Energy Innovation Fund: to support research and development in clean energy technologies.
"This is an important step in boosting Australia's energy security by increasing the availability of future energy sources which are less carbon-intensive.
"The Australian Government has mandated that 20 per cent of Australia's energy will be sourced from renewable energy by 2020.
"Encouraging R&D in clean technologies will help build intellectual property and expertise in Australia and provide opportunities for the next generation of Australian energy researchers and entrepreneurs to develop new Australian industries and export opportunities."
The draft CEP Guidelines provide detail on how the program will be operated, as well as eligibility requirements for projects applying for support under the program.
Minister Ferguson said: "We want to get the framework for the program right and therefore it is very important for stakeholders to consider the draft guidelines and provide their input to the process."
The draft CEP Guidelines are available from www.ret.gov.au.
Input on the CEP can be submitted to cep@ret.gov.au until 10 April 2009.