New funding from the federal government totalling $1 billion will assist in enabling the full supply chain of domestic solar photovoltaic (PV) manufacturing. It is known as the Solar Sunshot program, it will be delivered by the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA).
The objective is to increase solar PV manufacturing in Australia and offer a route for the commercialization of the long history of innovative solar PV technology in the region.
ARENA and the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) will collaborate to enhance Australia’s manufacturing capacity and pinpoint supply chain segments where grant funding can facilitate the industry’s inception.
According to ARENA CEO Darren Miller, the organization has played a leading role in developing Australia’s solar photovoltaic (PV) industry by providing funding for large-scale deployment, innovation, and research.
“We’re pleased to see the Australian Government recognise ARENA’s wealth of experience and close relationships with industry by calling on us to deliver the Solar Sunshot program,” he said.
“To date, ARENA has invested more than $830 million towards 233 solar PV projects. We are ready to take on the next step alongside others in the solar industry to create a domestic solar manufacturing industry.”
Polysilicon, ingots and wafers, cells, module assembly, and other components of the solar supply chain, such as solar glass, advanced deployment technology, or other areas determined through industry consultation, could all benefit from support from the Solar Sunshot program.
A consultation paper detailing proposed program specifications, including goals, funding sources, schedules, and preliminary eligibility and merit standards, will be released by ARENA and DCCEEW.
The final program design will be developed by ARENA and DCCEEW after the consultation period.
Registering their interest to participate in the consultation process is possible for interested parties at https://arena.gov.au/funding/solar-sunshot/.
This story and image were provided courtesy of Sandra Rossi from Climate Control News page and was slightly edited prior to publication.
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