The Australian Centre for Renewable Energy (ACRE) has released its Strategic Directions report setting out priorities for renewable energy technology development and recommends initiatives to support its development, commercialisation and large scale deployment.


The final Strategic Directions report follows wide consultation with companies, researchers, industry associations, and state and territory governments.


The report recommends the creation of an expanded Emerging Renewables program, consisting of the Government’s $40 million election commitment, combined with ACRE’s other unallocated funds.


This could extend the funding envelope for Emerging Renewables to more than $100 million, of which at least $40 million would be available for developing technologies such as ocean and geothermal.


The Federal Government will now consider ACRE’s recommendations.


ACRE was established in 2010 to provide a central point of contact for companies looking to invest in renewable energy and enabling technologies and is a key component of the Government’s $5 billion Clean Energy Initiative. Along with the Expanded Renewable Energy Target and a price on carbon, this direct funding for renewable energy technologies is an integral part of the Government’s action to address climate change.


Strategic Directions is available at www.acre.gov.au.