Renewable energy applications welcome all hours

The Australian government has announced applicants for the $100 million Renewable Energy Development Initiative (REDI) will no longer have to wait for designated rounds of the program but may submit proposals throughout the year.

Industry Minister, Ian Macfarlane and Environment Minister, Senator Ian Campbell said the change would provide this significant industry sector with increased opportunities to commercialise projects.

"REDI has already provided grants totalling more than $33 million for 16 projects being undertaken in renewable energy, including transport fuels, wind farms, solar energy, geothermal and biomass technologies," said the Ministers.

Macfarlane said the change would streamline applications, allowing companies to apply as they were ready to invest or embark on new projects.

"This change will speed up the turn-around on applications, allowing renewable energy companies to make major project and investment decisions in the knowledge they will have a prompt response on applications for funding," Macfarlane said.

Campbell said the government was always willing to improve its support measures for industry to make it easier to commercialise new technologies.

"We've always been a can-do nation with many of our inventions having global implications. Advances in renewable energy technologies will not only help us reduce our greenhouse gas emissions but improve the industry globally," Campbell said.

"By giving new technologies a boost at the commercialisation stage, we can create major opportunities for Australian businesses both at home and abroad."

Applications for funding under round three of the Renewable Energy Development Initiative has closed and the successful projects are expected to be announced in December 2006.

03/10/2006