Clean technology innovation

Clean technology innovation is one of the 3 focus areas within Net Zero Industry and Innovation.

This area supports the development and continued innovation of emerging clean technologies. It does this by facilitating knowledge sharing, capacity building and collaboration between researchers, industry and government.

The technologies it supports will be guided by the Office of the NSW Chief Scientist & Engineer decarbonisation innovation study.

Priorities include, but are not limited to:

• electrification and energy systems
• land and primary industries
• power fuels including hydrogen.

The 6 streams of work are listed below.

1. Clean technology research and development grants

The clean technology research and development (R&D) grants support the development of commercially viable technologies and services to reduce emissions in high emitting or hard-to-abate industries. 
Expression of interest for these grants have now closed. Visit the NSW Environmental Trust for more information. 

2. NSW decarbonisation innovation hub

The NSW decarbonisation innovation hub will coordinate research, government and industry efforts across the program’s three priority areas.

The NSW Office of the Chief Scientist & Engineer is administering the hub and will appoint organisations to host the hub in late 2021.

For more information, visit the Office of Chief Scientist & Engineer’s website.

3. Research development and commercialisation infrastructure grants 

These grants will support the development of world-leading research, development and commercialisation infrastructure in NSW to accelerate the shift to net zero emissions by 2050. 

4. Grants for commercialisation and pilots

These grants will support start-ups, entrepreneurs and researchers to bring proven technologies and services to market in Australia and internationally. 

More information on how to apply for these grants will be available in early 2022.

5. Low emissions standards 

We will explore opportunities to develop new low emissions standards relating to the design and installation of energy consuming technology. This may include: 

• voluntary standards and specifications for energy consuming products, services and processes 
• accelerating the uptake of low emissions building materials standards and specifications 
• ratings and voluntary standards for sustainable homes.

6. Unlocking sustainable finance

Focusing on facilitating the flow of sustainable finance to NSW low emissions projects, we will explore opportunities to:

• co-design suitable methods, standards and metrics to attract investment in net zero and natural capital opportunities in NSW
• co-design innovative funding and financing models
• develop pathways for investment attraction.