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Policy
Australia
2022
Powering Australia - First Nations Community Microgrid Programme
The Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) launched the First Nations Community Microgrids Programme, aiming to develop and deploy microgrids across First Nations communities, to increase access to cheaper, cleaner and more reliable energy. In its October's 2022-23 budget, the federal government allocated AUD 83.8 million over four years to improve energy security and affordability for these communities.
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Policy
Australia
2022
Powering Australia - Powering the Regions Fund
The Powering the Regions Fund aims to provide funding based on the following goals:Decarbonising Existing IndustriesDeveloping New Clean Energy IndustriesWorkforce DevelopmentPurchasing Carbon CreditsIn its October's 2022-23 budget, the federal government established a AUD 1.9 billion fund over four years to support these objectives.
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Policy
Australia
2022
Powering Australia - Electric Car Discount
The federal government's Electric Car Discount (ECD) legislation, exempting battery, fuel cell and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV) from fringe benefits tax (FBT) and import tariffs, commenced on 1 January 2023. This policy aimed to to reduce the costs of EVs and thereby increase EV uptake, reducing transport related carbon emissions and fuel use across the light vehicle fleet. On April 2025, the FBT exemption was restricted to zero emissions vehicles only, excluding future PHEV purchases from the program. In May 2026, the federal government announced future adjustments to the ECD to ensure it remains fiancially sustainable. From…
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Policy
Australia
2020
Western Australia Statutory Guidelines for Mine Closure Plans
Effective from 3 March 2020 and implementing Section 70O of Mining Act 1978, the Statutory Guidelines for Mine Closure Plans requires a Mine Closure Plan (MCP) to be submitted for any mine operation in Western Australia. The Statutory Guidelines have clear mandatory requirements that make it easier for industry to prepare submissions and assist the Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety to clearly identify whether an application meets the mandatory requirements of the form and content. The form and content of the MCP depends on whether it is a large or small mining operation. For large-scale mining, it…
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Policy
Australia
2012
(Western Australia) Petroleum and Geothermal Energy Resources (Environment) Regulations 2012
This regulation oversees the environmental planning submission requirements for petroleum and geothermal project licenses in Western Australia. It includes the need for an environmental assessment and provisions on continued reporting and applicable penalties. Its objective is to ensure that any petroleum or geothermal activity is carried out in a manner consistent with the principles of ecologically sustainable development; in accordance with an environment plan that demonstrates environmental impacts and risks will be reduced to as low as is reasonably practicable, and defines appropriate environmental performance objectives and standards as well as related measurement criteria. The regulation also requires that operators…
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Policy
Australia
2007
(Western Australia) Dangerous Goods Safety (Major Hazard Facilities) Regulations 2007
Identifies facilities that are subject major hazards based on substances. Establishes that the maximum quantity for methane or natural gas storage at a site is 200 tonnes. Governed by Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety
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Policy
Australia
2007
(South Australia) Climate Change and Greenhouse Emissions Reduction Act 2007
The Act sets a target to reduce by 31 December 2050 greenhouse gas emissions within the State by at least 60% to an amount that is equal to or less than 40% of 1990 levels. It also sets targets to increase the proportion of renewable electricity generated and consumed in the State. Greenhouse gases are defined to include carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, HFCs, and others.
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Policy
Australia
2012
(South Australia) Gas Regulations 2012
Outlines the administration and licensing of gas entities and promotes an energy efficiency program for gas retailers. Indirectly targets methane emissions through its safety and operations provisions that require best practice standards for gas fitting and minimisation of leaks and other hazards.
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Policy
Japan
2021
Japan-Australia partnership on decarbonisation through technology
Japan and Australia commit to jointly support initiatives to accelerate the development and commercialisation of low and zero emissions technologies, toward the transitions to net zero emissions. Such technologies are: clean fuel ammonia, clean hydrogen and derivatives produced from renewable energy (or from fossil fuels with substantial carbon capture, utilisation and storage), carbon capture utilisation and storage, carbon recycling, low emissions steel and iron ore. The two countries will provide appropriate financial support to advance initiatives in these sectors. This partnership builds on already established initiatives and statements such as the Hydrogen Energy Supply Chain (HESC), the Japan-Australia Energy…
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Policy
Australia
2009
The Australian Centre for Renewable Energy
The Australian Centre for Renewable Energy (ACRE) was established to promote the development, commercialisation and deployment of renewable energy and enabling technologies and improve their competitiveness in Australia. ACRE commenced in 2009 and was incorporated into ARENA on 1 July 2012.
ACRE managed over $690 million of funding committed to support renewable energy and enabling technology development. The following ACRE programs became the responsibility of ARENA:
Emerging Renewables Program
Renewable Energy Venture Capital Fund
Support for advanced biofuels
ACRE also managed a number of projects under legacy programs including the Renewable Energy Demonstration Program, the Geothermal Drilling Program and the…