The Federal Government has opened the $200 million Clean Technology Innovation Program (CTIP) to provide grants for Australian businesses to find and develop innovate ways of reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

 

Federal Minister for Industry and Innovation, Greg Combet, launched the merit-based grants program.

 

"We are looking for innovative projects involving applied research and development, proof of concept or early stage commercialisation activities,” Mr Combet said.

 

"The aim is to develop new clean technologies and associated services, including low emission and energy efficient solutions that reduce greenhouse gas emissions."

 

Mr Combet said the Government was looking to fund projects such as technologies that include generating energy from wind, solar, wave, tidal, hydro or geothermal power.

 

The Clean Technology Innovation Program will also help companies develop and commercialise technologies to improve energy efficiency in water treatment and waste management.

 

"It is about getting new products and services into the marketplace so households and businesses can reduce greenhouse gas emissions and prosper in a low carbon global economy," Mr Combet said.

 

This funding is a great opportunity for innovative local firms to access grants ranging from $50,000 to $5 million to improve Australian industry's competitiveness."

 

Grant funding will be made on a matching basis, meaning the Government will fund up to 50 per cent of the project cost.

 

The Program is now open and AusIndustry will be hosting information sessions around Australia to help businesses apply for these grants.

 

More information on the Clean Technology Innovation Program is available at www.ausindustry.gov.au or through the Hotline 13 28 46.