Quad Program offers new funding for clean energy supply chain innovation
The Quad Clean Energy Supply Chain Diversification Program opens in November 2024, providing up to A$25 million in grants for joint projects between Australia and Indo-Pacific partners to develop more diverse and resilient solar, hydrogen, and battery supply chains.
The Australian Government will open applications for the first round of the Quad Clean Energy Supply Chain Diversification Program in November 2024.
This initiative, announced at the , is designed to fund research and development projects as well as feasibility studies aimed at creating more diverse supply chains for solar photovoltaics (PV), hydrogen electrolysers, and batteries. The program is a collaboration between Quad nations—Australia, India, Japan, and the United States—intended to bolster clean energy supply chains in the Indo-Pacific region.
A total of A$50 million has been committed to the program, with up to A$25 million available in the first round. Grants will range from A$100,000 to A$2.5 million, supporting projects that aim to reduce vulnerabilities and expand the region’s clean energy capabilities. Eligible projects must involve joint ventures between Australian organisations and those from the Indo-Pacific, with additional partnerships from the United States, India, or Japan also encouraged.
The program is focused on several stages of the supply chain, including raw material processing, component manufacturing, assembly, and recycling. Funding will support research and development to innovate technologies and processes that improve efficiency, lower costs, or reduce material dependencies. It will also fund feasibility studies for prospective processing, manufacturing, or recycling facilities related to clean energy in the Indo-Pacific.
Following the 2024 Quad Leaders' Summit in Delaware last week, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese stated, “A stronger Quad means a stronger Australia,” highlighting the importance of collaboration among the Quad nations for regional stability and economic prosperity. He added, “Australia is always better off when we work together with our friends and partners.”
Applications for the first round will be submitted by Australian organisations, but the projects must be delivered through international collaborations. Full program guidelines will be made available when the application process opens in November. A second round of funding is expected in the second half of 2025.
