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Calling All Australian Manufacturers: NSW Announces Efficiency Grant

Published Date

Manufacturing plants are no strangers when it comes to finding and implementing energy savings projects, but lack of funding and resources prevent efficiency projects from moving forward leaving significant energy savings on the plant floor. 

With the launch of a New South Wales (NSW) grant, timing could not be better for Australian manufacturers to re-engage in energy efficiency projects.  In this initial round, projects involving metering, equipment retrofit, or other energy conservation measures can use grant funds to get projects within internal hurdle rates.

NSW announces $16.7M funding for energy efficiency projects

The NSW Government has announced $16.7 million in funding to help manufacturers drive the value of their energy efficiency programs. The objective of the program is to help manufacturers install energy efficient equipment and energy metering and improve their manufacturing processes. Projects that include stationary energy (gas and electricity) are eligible to receive matching funds, up to $120,000 per manufacturing site.

NOTE: Offers are subject to change in subsequent rounds.

Which projects and costs are covered?

Projects funded by the grant include any that are directly associated with manufacturing activities and energy efficiency projects that save electricity or gas behind the meter. The latter can include fuel switching to biogas or biomass if it reduces net energy use. Projects associated with site offices used for administration and accounting will not be considered. Other projects that will not be funded include lighting projects, steam traps, solar photovoltaics, battery storage or power factor correction.

NOTE: If your project receives Manufacturing Efficiency Funding it cannot access other government funding. For instance, it cannot create Energy Savings Certificates (ESCs) through the NSW Energy Savings Scheme or Australian Carbon Credit Units (ACCUs) under the Australian Government Emissions Reduction Fund.

Who is eligible?

To apply for funding, you must:

  • Have an Australian Business Number (ABN) and be registered for GST
  • Manufacture at a site in NSW which undertakes manufacturing activities in accordance to the manufacturing division of ANZSIC 2006 or cotton ginning

How do I apply?

  • The applications are open beginning the 22nd February 2019
  • Application forms and the Program Guide are now available here
  • The funding round will close on 31st July 2019

Companies should apply early to make the most of this grant as there is only $16.7 million in funding allocated by NSW government which will be awarded to manufacturers on a first-come first-served basis.

Schneider Electric's experts in energy data and engineering work with local sites to identify, prioritize and implement energy efficiency projects including grant applications. 

To learn more, contact us.