New South Wales is backing 13 clean technology projects with $26.2 million in public funding to support their transition from research to commercial scale.
Announced under the Clean Technology Innovation program, the grants target novel, early-stage technologies with the potential to cut emissions and drive investment in the state’s net zero transition. Each project has also attracted private co-investment, totalling $46.9 million.
Several projects focus on grid optimisation and energy materials.
H Nu Pty Ltd in Gosford received $432,500 to scale manufacturing of lightweight, fibre-optic current and voltage sensors for high-voltage networks. Sicona Battery Technologies in Unanderra was granted $1.675 million to pilot graphene-enhanced anode materials, while Novalith Technologies secured $1.5 million to scale its direct lithium extraction process from spodumene.
Solar technology also features prominently too.
FPR Energy in Mayfield West leads the funding round with $4.85 million to commercialise a particle-based concentrated solar thermal system aimed at providing long-duration green heat and power. Kardinia Energy will establish the world’s first commercial Printed Solar facility in Shortland with $2.255 million in funding. Lab 360 Solar and BT Imaging received support for commercialising inspection tools to improve solar cell efficiency and performance.
Hydrogen and ammonia production from waste is another priority.
HydGene Renewables received $2.5 million to demonstrate an on-farm system that turns agricultural residues into bio-hydrogen and ammonia.
Other awarded projects include MicroTau’s drag-reducing film for aircraft ($2.5m), Hullbot’s robotic hull cleaners to reduce shipping emissions ($1.94m), and PlasmaLeap’s on-site fertiliser production unit for regional farms ($2.58m).
“This investment will see these projects transition into practical, real-world solutions for emissions reduction that also boost innovators, investment and new jobs,” said Minister for Energy and Climate Change Penny Sharpe.
The program forms part of the state’s $275 million Net Zero Manufacturing Initiative and aims to deliver tangible decarbonisation outcomes by 2028. Grant recipients will advance through prototyping, testing and deployment stages, with most projects operating at pilot or pre-commercial scale.