First grant round opens for Community Energy Upgrades Fund

Announced in June 2023, the Australian Government's Community Energy Upgrades Fund (CEUF) - which is targeted at community facilities such as aquatic facilities - has opened its first grant round.

The CEUF is a targeted, competitive grant program that will co-fund energy efficiency and electrification upgrades for local governments to deliver reduced energy bills and emissions from local government owned and/or operated facilities.

The CEUF will deliver $100 million over two funding rounds and will run over three years from 2024-25. Up to $50 million of funding is available in Round 1of the program which closes on 30th April 2024. Grants of between $25,000 and $2.5 million will be awarded to successful applicants.

Applications will be assessed on merit after the round closes. Applicants are encouraged to make full use of the application window to submit high-quality grant applications.

Applicants must contribute at least 50% of the agreed eligible project costs. Projects must be completed by 31st March 2027.

The Community Energy Upgrades Fund is a merit-based grant program that aims to help local governments to deliver energy upgrades and lower their greenhouse emissions and energy bills.

Local governments can apply for grants to make a range of improvements, such as:

• Replacing gas heating systems in council pools with electric heat pumps

• Installing energy efficient lighting or battery storage at sporting fields, libraries and community centres

• Installing solar panels

• Installing electric vehicle chargers for council fleets

• Upgrades to air-conditioning controls in community buildings

The program aims to contribute to Australia meeting its emission reduction targets of 43% by 2030, net zero emissions by 2050, and support 82% renewable electricity generation by 2030. It will also support the Commonwealth-led National Energy Performance Strategy (NEPS).

Round 1 grant guidelines and applications are now available on business.gov.au

Image: The Ballarat Aquatic and Lifestyle Centre transitioned to renewable energy in 2023. Credit: Visit Victoria.