Energy Innovation Fund - Round 3

Overview

Round 3 – Application for round 3 are now open – further details are outlined below.

Round 1 and 2 – Closed

The Energy Innovation Fund supports the commercialisation of innovative, emerging renewable energy technologies in Victoria, required to meet the net-zero emissions by 2045 target.

The fund is being delivered in multiple rounds.

• Round 3 is dedicated to industrial electrification, with a focus on the food and beverage processing and manufacturing sector.
• Round 2 was open to any renewable technology type that can support Victoria’s net-zero emissions by 2045 target.
• Round 1 was dedicated to offshore wind.

Round 3

Industrial electrification with a focus on food and beverage processing and manufacturing sector

Round 3 targets the electrification of Victoria’s food and beverage processing and manufacturing sector, which is one of the State’s most energy-intensive industries.

The round seeks to overcome barriers to electrification by co-funding innovative projects that replace fossil fuel usage with electric alternatives.

Objectives

• Support the achievement of Victoria’s net-zero carbon emission target by 2045 through the electrification of industrial processes, enabling the integration of renewable energy to decarbonise to food and beverage sector.
• Enable the development, demonstration, and scaling of emerging technologies that are transformational, high-impact, and aligned with Victoria’s energy and climate policy priorities.
• Improve energy efficiency and reduce reliance on volatile fossil gas markets to support cost stability and operational certainty for food producers.
• Strengthen local food production and processing capacity by enabling sustainable, low-emissions growth that supports long-term sector viability. Boost Victorian industrial competitiveness as Victoria achieves legislated emission reduction targets.

Funding

• Under round 3, a total funding pool of $10 million is available. With grants capped at up to $2 million per submission (some exceptions considered where exceptional value can be demonstrated).

How to apply

Applicants can submit questions to energy.innovation@deeca.vic.gov.au no later than 5 pm, (AEDT), 7 calendar days (Friday 5 December 2025) before the applications period closes.

Start a new application

Access saved application

Need help?

For technical help with Grants Online, contact grantsinfo@deeca.vic.gov.au

Application guidelines and associated documents

• Energy Innovation Fund Round 3 application guidelines
• Energy Innovation Fund Round 3 application guidelines - accessible

The Round 3 Application Form reference several supporting documents to assist applicants in preparing and submitting their application. Supporting documentation required as part of an application includes:

• Energy Innovation Fund R3 - Project plan template
• Energy Innovation Fund R3 - Project risk register template
• Energy Innovation Fund R3 - Cost template
• Energy Innovation Fund R3 - Project milestone template
• Energy Innovation Fund R3 - Knowledge sharing plan template

Funding agreement

Round 3 successful applicants must enter into a funding agreement with the Victorian Government. The funding agreements establishes the parties and outlines their commitments and obligations to each other, as well as setting out the general funding terms and conditions.

Please review the terms and conditions of the funding agreement before applying. The funding agreement template and participating organisation agreement template do not need to be submitted at the time of application, these are for reference and familiarisation only.

However, any proposed departures based on the funding agreement will need to be submitted with your application using the funding agreement departures template below.

• Energy Innovation Fund R3 - Funding agreement template
• Energy Innovation Fund R3 - Funding agreement departures template
• Energy Innovation Fund R3 - Participating organisation agreement template

If you are proposing to have a participating organisation as part of your project, please see sample template that can be utilised. A POA template of your own can be used and will be reviewed by DEECA accordingly).

Frequently asked questions

Below includes a list of frequently asked questions and will be updated on a regular basis to ensure stakeholders have access to the most up to date information.

• Energy Innovation Fund Round 3 FAQs
• Energy Innovation Fund Round 3 FAQs - accessible

Online information session

An online information session was held on 25 September 2025. Below is a copy of the presentation slides and the recording of the session.