The Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) has welcomed a significant injection of $1 billion in funding to catalyse the development of domestic solar photovoltaic (PV) manufacturing capabilities across the entire supply chain.
The Australian Government’s announcement of the Solar Sunshot program signals a crucial initiative designed to foster the growth of solar PV manufacturing within Australia, the agency said in a news release.
ARENA stated the program not only aims to nurture local innovation in solar PV but also to commercialise the rich history of solar technology development in the country.
ARENA, entrusted with the delivery of the Solar Sunshot program, will collaborate closely with the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment, and Water (DCCEEW) to ensure its successful implementation.
Darren Miller, CEO of ARENA, underscored the agency’s role in advancing Australia’s solar PV industry.
“ARENA has been at the forefront of building Australia’s solar PV industry through its support for research, innovation and large-scale deployment. This has helped solar to become our cheapest form of energy,” Miller stated.
“We’re pleased to see the Australian Government recognise ARENA’s wealth of experience and close relationships with industry by calling on us to deliver the Solar Sunshot program.”
In particular, the Solar Sunshot initiative is envisioned to provide comprehensive support across the solar PV supply chain.
This includes the expansion of module manufacturing capacities and exploration of other critical areas where grant funding can kickstart industry growth, such as polysilicon production, ingots and wafers manufacturing, cell fabrication, module assembly, and other related aspects.
ARENA’s support for solar PV manufacturing is informed by research, including the Australian Photovoltaic Institute’s Silicon to Solar Report, which outlines a viable pathway for establishing a robust domestic supply chain.
This initiative holds the potential to secure access to solar PV components, create local employment opportunities, attract private investment, and unlock export prospects.
In collaboration with DCCEEW, ARENA will publish a consultation paper outlining the program’s specifications, objectives, funding mechanisms, timelines, and draft eligibility criteria.
“Australia has the opportunity to build high-quality products across the solar PV supply chain. Although we have a very small production capability today, we have the skills and the partnerships to establish a strong base that can be built on over the next decade,” Miller said.
This inclusive approach aims to gather insights from industry stakeholders to shape the transformative scaling up of Australia’s solar PV manufacturing capacity.
Interested stakeholders are encouraged to participate in the consultation process by registering their interest on ARENA’s website.
