New Funding Round Targets Advanced Energy Storage
The Western Australian Government has announced the launch of the fourth round of its Clean Energy Innovation Grants (CEIG) program, making AU$9 million available to support innovative clean energy projects. A key priority for this funding round is the development and deployment of long-duration energy storage (LDES) systems capable of delivering power for 10 hours or more by 2030. This initiative underscores Western Australia's commitment to accelerating its renewable energy transition and strengthening grid reliability.
The announcement, made on January 6, 2026, marks a strategic shift towards extended-duration storage technologies, moving beyond the typical 2-4 hour capacity of conventional lithium-ion batteries.
Strategic Investment in Renewable Future
Administered by the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation with support from Energy Policy WA, the CEIG Round 4 is part of the broader Clean Energy Future Fund (CEFF). Since its inception in 2020, the CEFF has invested over AU$30 million in clean energy projects, with the total fund now extended to AU$37 million. Individual grants in this round will range from AU$100,000 to AU$4 million.
Energy and Decarbonisation Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson highlighted the fund's role in driving innovation, stating, 'Western Australia is committed to driving innovation in clean energy technologies that deliver real emissions reductions and community benefits. This fund is helping local projects turn ideas into action.'
Broadening the Scope of Clean Energy Priorities
While long-duration energy storage is a primary focus, the funding round also prioritizes projects that:
- Deliver clear benefits to First Nations peoples.
- Support green exports and local manufacturing.
- Increase renewable energy supply and network resilience.
- Enhance productivity through electrification, particularly in energy-intensive sectors like mining.
The inclusion of LDES as a ministerial priority reflects its growing recognition in enhancing grid stability and facilitating the integration of intermittent renewable energy sources like solar and wind. Western Australia has been identified as a focal point for extended-duration storage development, including advancements in vanadium flow battery technology.
Applications and Context
Applications for the CEIG Round 4 opened on January 6, 2026, and will close on April 20, 2026. This funding round is a critical component of Western Australia's comprehensive Energy Transformation Strategy, which aims to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050 and reduce the state's reliance on coal and gas-powered generation. Previous rounds of the CEFF have supported a diverse range of projects, including the electrification of mine haul trucks, the replacement of diesel generators with battery storage, and pumped hydroelectric storage solutions.
5 Comments
Eugene Alta
AU$9 million is a pittance for such ambitious goals. This won't move the needle much.
Noir Black
This funding round is a welcome step towards Western Australia's net-zero goals and grid resilience. Still, relying solely on grants might not attract the sheer volume of private sector investment required to meet the comprehensive Energy Transformation Strategy's full objectives.
Kyle Broflovski
Prioritizing long-duration storage is essential for integrating intermittent renewables effectively. Yet, the article doesn't detail how these projects will specifically reduce the reliance on coal and gas in the short term, which is a major concern.
Stan Marsh
Fantastic! This is the kind of forward-thinking investment WA needs for a stable renewable grid.
Eric Cartman
Why focus on storage when actual renewable generation still lags? Misplaced priorities.