Australia has announced plans to invest $70m in grant funding for charging infrastructure, to be administered through the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA). The new funding follows the release of the National Electric Vehicle Strategy (NEVS), and will be made available to Australian businesses, local governments and councils, as well as state and territory-owned corporations. The funding will be focused on two areas, innovation in public charging, and smart charging, vehicle-to-grid technology and orchestration.
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Projects must be powered by renewable energy sources and will then be offered grants between $500,000 and $15 million, and the funding must be matched by proponents. The investment will last over a period of five years and is part of a larger pot worth $146.1m, which will be delivered by ARENA over the next five years.
In addition, the government is accepting public submissions on Australia’s Fuel Efficiency Standard, with plans to release the proposed standard by the end of the year. The NEVS policy aims to increase the number of electric vehicles (EVs) driving in Australia, as well as the demand for EVs and required infrastructure. The policy is also looking to increase local manufacturing and recycling.
Australia has been slow to adapt to battery-electric vehicle technology, but this investment shows the government’s commitment to catching up with other nations. The new charging infrastructure will be a significant step in Australia’s journey towards electric mobility, and the government’s commitment to increasing demand for EVs and infrastructure will create a more sustainable and cost-effective transport system.
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Climate change and energy minister Chris Bowen said, “Australians know that electric and more fuel-efficient vehicles are cleaner and cheaper to run, and after less than a year in Government, more Australian households and businesses can access them.” With this investment, Australia is set to become a leader in sustainable transport and contribute to the global effort to reduce emissions.
