Net Zero Manufacturing Initiative

Funding program archive

This page preserves a dated funding-program record and links it to current project-planning guidance.

Publication date: 26 February 2024.

Status note: This archive does not confirm that applications are open, funds remain available or the earlier eligibility and co-funding settings still apply. Verify the current administrator page and guidelines.

What this article reported

The NSW Government has announced $275 million in grants under the Net Zero Manufacturing Initiative, which will support workers, small businesses, manufacturers and innovators to take advantage of the transformation of our energy grid.

There is $275 million of funding in this round of the Net Zero Manufacturing Initiative across 3 programs; these include clean technology innovation, low carbon product manufacturing, renewable manufacturing. The funds are aligned to the updated NSW Decarbonisation Innovation 2023 Study which highlighted that trends in decarbonisation are rapidly changing and that there was great value in supporting market-ready technologies and services.

As one of the largest economic centres and manufacturing and knowledge hubs in the Asia-Pacific region, there is a tremendous opportunity for this program to create new competitive advantage. The vision of this program is to rapidly accelerate economic growth, jobs and emission reduction.

The three programs will cover:

1. Clean technology innovation: Assisting businesses in scaling up low-emission technologies to make them market-ready
2. Low-carbon product manufacturing: Establishing industrial facilities for emerging low-carbon industries, fostering investment in areas such as low-carbon laminate timber and bio-diesel production
3. Renewable manufacturing: Supporting the local production of components for renewable energy projects, thereby enhancing local content capability and alleviating supply chain constraints

The Net Zero Manufacturing Initiative will create opportunities:

• directly for NSW businesses looking to create new low-carbon products and services, but also
• indirectly enables energy users to access new technology and services as potential pilot sites

How can we help:

If you are either a clean technology provider or an energy user looking to advance decarbonisation at your NSW site, Northmore Gordon can assist in:

• Feasibility study support
• Measurement and verification to demonstrate the low-carbon credentials of your product or service
• Provide strategic advice on market opportunities for new low-carbon products and services
• Help you apply for the grant

Eligibility:

You can apply for this grant if:

• your proposed project is based in NSW
• your technology is commercially proven and you want to manufacture it at a commercial scale
• your technology is a low-carbon product or is suitable to support renewable energy supply at utility scale
• you are ready to construct a commercial-scale manufacturing facility or expand an existing facility for your low-carbon product (your project is at a final investment decision (FID) stage with no further design, feasibility or equivalent studies required), or
• you ready to proceed with construction of a commercial-scale manufacturing facility for your renewable energy product (plant and equipment)

Who can't apply?

• You are not eligible if the project has already received NSW Government funding for the same outputs and outcomes. Eligibility won't be affected if the grant funding received is for a different project
• Australian or NSW Government agencies, state-owned corporations or statutory authorities
• Organisations that do not have an ABN and are unable to obtain an ABN to enter a funding agreement, unincorporated associations, individuals (sole traders), partnerships without nominating a lead applicant, insolvent businesses

Key dates

The following table provides the key dates for each of the Net Zero Manufacturing Initiative funding streams. These dates are subject to change at the discretion of the Department.

*Or as soon as possible after a decision has been made at the Department's discretion.

^Or as soon as possible after a decision has been made at the Department's discretion. Successful applicants will be notified and will be required to sign a confidentiality and conflict of interest document, as well as a funding agreement.

Northmore Gordon is a trusted energy and carbon advisor to end users and technology service providers. Over the years we have helped both parties unlock more than $150m of government funds to advance projects for decarbonisation. Get in touch today to apply for this grant.

How to use this information now

Before relying on a grant, confirm the current round, applicant and project eligibility, eligible expenditure, co-contribution, assessment process, closing date and evidence obligations. Build the technical case so the project remains understandable with grant support shown separately.

Separate source-reported facts from forecasts, targets and commentary. For a current project, retain the official source, version, effective date, assumptions and decision record in the evidence file.

Related guidance

• Carbon advisory
• Measurement and verification
• Current articles and guidance
• Contact Northmore Gordon