Policy Challenge Grant

The Policy Challenge Grant has up to $3.75 million in total funding available over 5 years.

Organisations can apply for funding between $20,000 and $500,000 (excluding GST) per grant. The same application can only be made once each year, unless invited to resubmit by the assessment panel.

This grant will support the development of projects such as policy white papers, new business solutions, or new regulatory sandboxing trials tailored to address the ACT’s specific energy transition.

Successful applications will be supported with funding to test new ideas that respond to the policy challenge announced each year to support the energy transformation within the Territory. Please visit the ACT’s Everyday Climate Choices website for information on the ACT Government’s nominated Policy Challenges.

To apply for funding, all applicants need to be aware of the following:

• Applicants must provide a detailed implementation plan of the proposed project and the funding requested, articulating the benefits to the net zero transition and the ACT economy and alignment with the relevant grant objective.
• Organisations must be able to demonstrate they have sufficient funds, resources, and capabilities to commence and complete proposed projects.
• Where applicable, applicants should consider how their proposal aligns with complementary government objectives and policies including,
• but not limited to:

  » The Integrated Energy Plan 2024-2030

  » CBR Switched On: ACT’s economic development priorities 2022-2025

  » ACT Climate Change Strategy 2019–2025

  » The ACT Zero Emissions Vehicle Strategy 2022-30

  » Canberra’s Living Infrastructure Plan

  » Zero-Emission Transition Plan for Transport Canberra

  » ACT Circular Economy Strategy 2023-2030

  » ACT Waste to Energy Policy 2020-2025

  » Everyday Climate Choices, what the ACT Government is doing

The application will guide you through a series of questions to determine your eligibility and evaluate the proposal against the merit criteria. 

Your application needs to include the following:

• a response to the merit criteria;
• a detailed project description and objectives;
• proposed project timeline;
• project benefits and expected outcomes;
• implementation plan, including timing of key milestones and deliverables;
• a knowledge sharing plan;
• the benefits of the funded activities to the ACT renewable energy ecosystem; and
• details on existing or proposed co-funding arrangements.

Energy Innovation Fund grants will support projects that contribute to the ACT Government’s vision of Canberra as an internationally recognised centre for renewable energy research, innovation and investment.

Each application will be assessed against the guidelines and selection criteria on the application form. The assessment panel will consider the application and make an assessment as to the merit of the application in meeting the aims and objectives of the Program.

Proposals that meet the eligibility criteria will be considered against the following merit criteria:

Innovation (40%)

Innovation and broadening the knowledge base in the ACT energy transition sector is an important objective of the Fund. The following will be assessed under this criterion:

1. The project clearly demonstrates innovative and transformational approaches to supporting the net zero transition. This can be demonstrated via the technology used, business model or other aspects; and
2. The approach to sharing the learnings gained from the project. This can include but is not limited to, sharing data, hosting webinars, publishing reports, engaging with the local community through workshops and educational guides, and creating collaborative networks.

Technical and commercial viability (25%)

The proposal demonstrates a pathway from ideation to development. The project applies robust processes to develop innovative energy transition solutions. The application shows a high potential for demonstration and scalability. Criteria also include the potential commercial opportunities flowing from the funded activity and the strength of the proponent’s business model.

Application quality and organisation capacity (25%)

The applicant has demonstrated their capability to deliver the project and described previous experience in delivering similar projects and managing risks.

The applicant has demonstrated an understanding of, and ability to obtain, any permission or approvals required to deliver the project (where appropriate).

The application must provide sufficient information to make an informed assessment.  

Return on investment (10%)

The level of funding requested is proportionate to the project outcomes, and to the proponent’s commitment to and benefits for the ACT. In the context of the entire project, and its timing, the amount of requested funding and the planned expenditure demonstrates a sound investment.

Enhanced public-private collaborations in developing and demonstrating new solutions, and leveraging private investments, are particularly important.

The Government will aim to leverage at least $1 in new co-contributions for every dollar it invests, on average, in energy innovation technologies. Proposals that demonstrate job creation will be viewed favourably.

For businesses located outside the ACT applying for the grants, it is crucial to demonstrate a strong return on investment. Examples include capital investment, long-term local operational plans and partnerships, and job security.