Open Call: Australia-Singapore Low-Emissions Technologies Initiative

ASLET aims to accelerate demonstration and industry deployment of zero and near-zero emissions fuels and technologies in maritime and port operations. The initiative will facilitate the research, demonstration, and commercialisation of zero and near-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emission technologies, fuels and/or energy sources for use in maritime and port operations.

The initiative seeks to fund solutions that make use of technology from either Australia or Singapore and brings equitable benefit to both countries through deployment project pipelines.

Focus Areas

• The challenge focus areas are:
  • Challenge 1 – Mitigate safety and ecological risks associated with the use of low-emissions fuels, such as ammonia and hydrogen.
  • Challenge 2 – Develop technology and infrastructure at ports to accommodate the adoption of low-emissions fuels
  • Challenge 3 – Reduce the cost of low-emissions technologies in short-sea vessels.

Funding Information

• ASLET is providing grant funding to support applied research, pilot and demonstration projects that will contribute to reduced cost, increased safety and accelerated uptake of low emission technologies for maritime and port operations.
• For projects with Australian lead applicants, there is up to AU$8.4 million available to fund successful projects.
  • The minimum grant amount is AU$500,000.
  • The maximum grant amount is AU$3 million.
• The lead applicant and project partners (if applicable) are required to contribute towards project activities. The grant amount will be up to a maximum of 50 per cent of eligible project expenditure.
• You must complete your project by 30 June 2027.

Eligible Activities

• Eligible activities may include those that relate directly to the project:
  • Employment of personnel.
  • Research, development and demonstration activities.
  • Purchase of plant or equipment, including installing tech bays, gas storage facilities, analysis equipment, and safety and environmental systems.
  • Other activities in line with the objective, desired outcomes and priority areas of the ASLET grant opportunity, as approved by the Program Delegate.

Expected Outcomes

• The objective of the ASLET grant opportunity is to provide funding to applied research, pilot and demonstration projects that will contribute to the following outcomes:
  • Reduced costs of using low emissions fuels and technologies, including clean hydrogen and its derivatives, in maritime and port operations.
  • Improved technical and commercial readiness of low emissions fuels and technologies in maritime and port operations, including increased industry awareness and acceptance.
  • Improved industry investment in and uptake of low emissions technologies in Australia and Singapore, as well as increased economic and employment opportunities.
  • Reduced emissions in Australia and Singapore through contribution towards national emissions reduction targets and global emissions reduction targets set by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) for shipping.
  • Strengthened connections among Australia and Singapore maritime and port industry users, technology suppliers, researchers, and other relevant industry participants

Eligibility Criteria

• To be eligible, the lead applicant must:
  • Have an Australian Business Number (ABN); and
  • Be registered for the Goods and Services Tax (GST);
• and be one of the following entities:
  • An Australian entity incorporated under the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth);
  • An eligible Australian research institution, including an Australian university;
  • Be an organisation that is undertaking business or research and development activities
  • relevant to the maritime, port operations and/or low emissions energy technology supply chain.

Ineligibility Criteria

• You are not eligible to apply if you:
  • Are an employer of 100 or more employees that has not complied with the Workplace Gender Equality Act (2012).
  • Are a Commonwealth agency or body (including corporate Commonwealth entities).
  • Are an individual or partnership.
  • Are a trust (however, an incorporated trustee may apply on behalf of a trust)

For more information, visit CSIRO.