Funding for organisations to partner with UK companies for hydrogen research, development and demonstration projects

Grants for Australian organisations to undertake renewable hydrogen research, development and demonstration projects in partnership with UK companies.

The program provides matched funding (Australian grant matched with a complementary UK grant) to support projects that advance hydrogen production, derivatives, storage, distribution and applications to decarbonise industry and heavy transport.

Key eligibility requirements (as stated):

- Lead applicant must be an Australian organisation and meet eligibility requirements (Australian companies and corporate Commonwealth entities are specifically sought).

- Projects must include at least one UK (British) project partner. The UK partner must apply for matched funding through the complementary UK program (Innovate UK).

- Australian grant applicants must have at least $20,000 in eligible project expenditure (costs incurred by the Australian proponent).

- Grant funding is up to 50% of eligible project expenditure and up to $2,000,000 per grant.

- Projects must be completed by 2026-03-31.

- Applicants must provide co-contributions (cash and/or in-kind). In-kind contributions are limited to 20% of eligible project expenditure.

- At least 30% of total eligible project costs must be a cash contribution (cash may come from the lead applicant, project partners, or non-Commonwealth grants, but cannot include the UK grant or Commonwealth grants).

- The Australian grant amount must be within 10% of the UK grant amount requested by the UK partner (in Australian dollar equivalent).

- Certain entities are explicitly eligible to apply (e.g. Cooperative Research Centres incorporated in Australia with an ABN; corporate Commonwealth entities such as CSIRO are eligible).

- Universities are not eligible to be lead applicants but may participate as project partners.

- Projects must align to program scope: innovate or advance development of renewable/low-carbon hydrogen technologies or hydrogen applications to decarbonise industry, power or heavy transport sectors.