ACT Government Awards First Energy Innovation Grants

The ACT Government has awarded over $1 million to New Frontier Technologies and RenewMap, marking the first recipients of the Territory’s Energy Innovation Fund. This initiative is a significant step toward achieving the ACT's goal of net zero emissions by 2045. Australian Capital Territory Minister for Water, Energy and Emissions Reduction, Shane Rattenbury, emphasized the importance of supporting innovative projects that contribute to the region's energy transition, while also investing in local jobs and expertise.

The Energy Innovation Fund, with a total pool of $17 million to be allocated over five years, includes three grant streams: the Technology Demonstration Grant, the Policy Challenge Grant, and the Innovation Ecosystem Grant. The first round of funding sees New Frontier Technologies receiving $750,143 under the Technology Demonstration Grant to develop an innovative storage solution for hydrogen. Meanwhile, RenewMap will receive $300,000 under the Innovation Ecosystem Grant to further develop their web-mapping platform, enhancing connectivity for energy projects across Australia and New Zealand.

Minister Rattenbury highlighted the ACT Government’s commitment to maintaining the region’s 100% renewable electricity supply through initiatives like the Renewables Reverse Auctions. He praised the awarded projects for showcasing the innovation happening in the capital, anticipating that these advancements will significantly contribute to the ACT's climate goals and energy transition efforts.

Paul Compston, Director and CEO of New Frontier Technologies, expressed delight at receiving the grant. The funding will enable the company to demonstrate advanced capabilities in designing and manufacturing high-value carbon composite structures. Specifically, they will develop lightweight, liner-less all-composite pressure vessels to increase hydrogen storage capacity, a critical component for achieving local net-zero targets. This novel design and manufacturing approach will be a first-of-its-kind, positioning it as a highly marketable solution in the national and international hydrogen economy.

Alex Thompson, Co-Founder and Director of RenewMap, highlighted the impact of the grant on their business. RenewMap’s platform currently provides accessible, accurate, and near real-time information on large-scale energy projects in Australia and New Zealand. The Energy Innovation Fund will accelerate the company's growth, enabling the creation of new jobs in the ACT’s renewable energy sector. The project will enhance RenewMap's capabilities, empowering industry stakeholders with new analytical tools and valuable insights into the future pipeline of energy projects.

For those looking to leverage these advancements, EServices4U offers a range of services to support the energy transition. Our offerings include energy procurement, energy bill audits, windmill and solar panel installation consultations, and general energy consultancy. By guiding clients through the process of applying for grants and installing renewable energy systems, we help maximize savings and efficiency. Visit our website at EServices4U to explore our services and join us in creating a sustainable