The Made in Victoria – Energy Technologies Manufacturing Program (the program) aims to support Victorian manufacturers to supply manufactured inputs for renewable energy generation, transmission, storage and transportation (including, but not limited to wind, hydro, batteries, hydrogen and solar). This will generate economic activity, secure well-paid jobs, increase exports, and reduce Victoria’s reliance on volatile international supply chains.

Deadlines and Timings

Applications are now open and will close 13 Dec 2023. It is anticipated that successful projects will be able to commence in the first quarter of 2024.

Overview and Grant Amount

The program is open to manufacturers with an existing presence in Victoria who require support to increase their capability to manufacture products or components for local and global supply chains contributing to net zero and low emissions technologies. Eligible manufacturing capabilities include but are not limited to automation, additive manufacturing, advanced materials design, robotics, and engineering. The following are its main objectives:

• increase Victorian zero and low emissions energy technologies manufacturing capacity
• Victorian businesses adopt and integrate new advanced manufacturing capabilities in product development and manufacturing that contribute to Victoria’s transition to net zero and low emissions
• support the creation of new jobs and skills development required to support the manufacture of net zero and low emissions technologies

Grants of between $100,000 and up to $750,000 are available. All grants must be matched by a minimum cash co-contribution of $3 for every $1 granted.

Eligibility and Criteria

Applicants must meet the following criteria to be eligible for assistance under the program:

• be an eligible legal entity (companies, trusts, partnerships)
• hold an Australian Business Number (ABN)
• be an employing business registered for WorkCover insurance with WorkSafe Victoria
• be currently engaged in manufacturing or the manufacturing supply chain or demonstrate a genuine commercial connection to the manufacturing supply chain in Victoria

Joint applications are not permitted under the program.

Eligible Projects

Projects must involve the manufacturing of components or products for which there is demand in net zero and low emissions markets. Examples of areas of priority include:

• advanced materials and components for renewables, such as wind turbines
• zero emissions transportation, such as electric vehicles
• batteries and other new energy technology components, to support the transition to net-zero

To be eligible, the project must involve the development or purchase of new equipment, processes, skills, or technology that directly support the making of products or components that will help Victoria transition to net zero. Funding may support, but is not limited to:

• the purchase of capital equipment
• technology adoption and associated project expenditure

Eligible Expenditures

Eligible project expenditure includes:

• capital expenditure (e.g., manufacturing machinery, equipment, and technology)
• other project-related non-capitalised expenditure (e.g., related to product and process improvements, evaluation and testing of new products and processes, technology development and supply chain capability development)
• minor building alterations and fit-out costs
• training specific to the technology (external costs only)
• labour and contractors related to the delivery of the project (but do not include internal salaries)

Eligible project expenditure must:

• be incurred by the grant recipient within 12 months of execution of the grant agreement
• be a direct cost of the project
• be exclusive of Goods and Services Tax (GST)

Ineligible Expenditure

The program is not intended to support projects which involve.

• routine replacement or a minor upgrade of plant and equipment
• purchase of vehicles
• routine operational expenses, including, communications, accommodation, office computing facilities or software, printing and stationery, postage, legal and accounting fees, and bank charges
• costs related to preparing the grant application, preparing any project reports, and preparing any project variation requests
• projects where the primary purpose relates to offshore or interstate manufacturing
• building websites, marketing, sales, and promotional activities
• early-stage research and development (R&D) activities
• expenditure that is incurred prior to the project commencing
• internal salaries
• entertainment cost
• land acquisition
• expenditure where other grants or subsidies are available e.g., Solar for Business Program

For more information, interested parties are encouraged to thoroughly read the program guidelines and FAQ set by the funding grant. Submissions must be lodged through the program online portal.

Expert Assistance

We have over 15 years of experience preparing EMDG and R&D tax incentive claims and can assist in making sure you receive your maximum rebate.

Working with us means you get the maximum grant with minimum risk and effort. Our expertise includes R&D Tax Incentive registration and tax schedules, Export Grants, Capital Expenditure and Infrastructure Grants.

Get in touch with us and let’s discuss this more in detail.

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