$125 million grant funding for regional and First Nations community microgrids
The Australian Government is inviting eligible organisations to apply for grant funding, on a competitive basis, to support the development and deployment of renewable energy microgrids across regional Australia.
Grants will be offered to successful applicants on a 50":50 co-contribution basis.
Successful projects will be aligned with one of two focussed funding Streams, and will contribute to the specific funding stream outcomes.
Stream A: Regional Australia Microgrids Pilots outcomes:
Innovation and/or acceleration of the development and deployment of equipment and technology solutions that enable the coordinated use of distributed renewable energy technologies.
Improved resilience and reliability of electricity supply in regional areas.
Resolving one or more of the remaining barriers to deployment of microgrid solutions.
Stream B: First Nations Community Microgrids outcomes:
Reduced cost of energy and other community benefits in First Nations Communities.
Cleaner and more reliable energy in First Nations Communities.
First Nations Communities are empowered to participate in their electricity supply arrangements and the development of energy infrastructure.
Resolving one or more of the remaining barriers to deployment of microgrid solutions.
Under Stream A it is expected that most grants will be between $5 million and $10 million depending on the scope and complexity of the project.
Under Stream B it is expected that most grants will be between $5 million and $25 million depending on the scope and complexity of the project.
Applications will be considered via a two stage process including an Expression of Interest application, with successful applicants provided feedback and invited to submit a full application. At its discretion, ARENA may waive the requirement so submit an EOI.
Various eligibility criteria apply and can be reviewed in the program guidelines here.
Applications close for final submissions on Friday, 19 December 2025.
For more information and access to the online application forms click here.