ARENA opens renewable energy R&D program

The Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) has opened the first round of a research and development program dedicated to advancing renewable energy knowledge and expertise in Australia. According to ARENA CEO Ivor Frischknecht, the program will “increase the knowledge base required to make these technologies more competitive with conventional energy sources”.

Frischknecht said the first round of the R&D program would provide up to $20 million to promote excellence in solar research, in order to “build on Australia’s reputation for delivering world-leading photovoltaic and concentrating solar thermal technologies”. Expressions of interest for this round are open until 14 February at http://arena.gov.au/initiatives-and-programs/research-and-development-program/.

Frischknecht said the program is “designed to encourage collaboration, advance Australian discovery and support adaptation of global solutions to progress renewable energy technologies”. In particular, he said, the building of stronger relationships between research institutions and industry will help capitalise on Australia’s competitive advantage in the renewable energy sector.

ARENA is holding an information session on Round 1 in Sydney today; other information sessions will be held subject to demand. Please contact events@arena.gov.au if you are interested in attending this session or to register your interest in attending future information sessions.