The Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) has unveiled its new initiative, the AUS$100 million ‘Solar ScaleUp Challenge’, on 19 June. This challenge aims to foster innovation and collaboration within the solar industry globally.
Professionals from various sectors of the solar industry, including financiers, engineers, solar customers, and developers, are encouraged to participate. The goal is to address barriers related to the installation, operation, and maintenance of solar photovoltaic (PV) projects.
The Solar ScaleUp Challenge aligns with ARENA’s Ultra Low-Cost Solar (ULCS) vision. This vision proposes a ’30-30-30′ approach, targeting 30% solar module efficiency and an installed cost of 30 cents per watt by 2030. The ultimate aim is to help Australia establish itself as a renewable energy leader, achieving a levelised cost of electricity below AUS$20 per megawatt hour by 2030.
The development of ultra-low-cost solar technology is crucial for driving down the costs of renewable electricity, especially for heavy industrial processes. It is anticipated to play a vital role in enabling the production of green hydrogen below AU$2 per kilogram, a technology pivotal to the global energy transition.
ARENA CEO Darren Miller emphasized the significance of large-scale solar deployment in advancing the clean energy transition and global decarbonisation efforts. He highlighted that ultra-low-cost solar technology is pivotal for reducing electricity costs and decarbonising challenging sectors like industry and transport.
Miller added that achieving Australia’s vision of becoming a renewable energy powerhouse involves supplying low-emissions products such as green iron and hydrogen to key trading partners.
In addition to the Solar ScaleUp Challenge, ARENA continues to administer the AUS$1 billion ‘Solar Sunshot Program’. Launched by the Australian government in March 2024, this program supports the local solar module manufacturing industry. While the Solar Sunshot Program focuses primarily on manufacturing components, the Solar ScaleUp Challenge is geared towards deployment strategies. Both initiatives are integral to bolstering Australia’s position as a hub for solar innovation and development.
The Solar ScaleUp Challenge is open for submissions for eight weeks and is expected to complement the Solar Sunshot Program by fostering a pipeline of solar PV innovations that can be integrated into the supply chain by manufacturers and project developers.