The Morrison Government is calling for public submissions to help identify opportunities for new methods under the Emissions Reduction Fund (ERF).

In 2022, the Government will accelerate the development of five new ERF methods.

The Government is particularly interested in method proposals that would support the priority technologies identified in the 1st Low Emissions Technology Statement or support low emissions transport infrastructure (for example, electric or hydrogen vehicle refuelling infrastructure).

Minister for Energy and Emissions Reduction Angus Taylor said expanding the range of eligible activities under the scheme will increase investment in low emissions technologies, helping Australia to meet and beat its emissions reduction goals while strengthening the economy. 

“Through the Emissions Reduction Fund, the Government is backing Australian ingenuity and practical projects to lower emissions while supporting our economy, jobs and investment,” Minister Taylor said. 

“A new high of 44 projects were registered under the ERF in the first quarter of 2021 and it is on track to deliver a record 17 million tonnes of emissions reductions this year. Including new methods under the scheme will ensure participation continues to grow and emissions keep falling. 

“It will also help bring a portfolio of emerging technologies to commercial parity with higher emitting alternatives so we can reduce emissions across every sector of the economy, while protecting industries and jobs, and creating new ones.” 

Fast-tracking the development of new methods was a recommendation of the King Review.

Through the 2020-21 Budget, the Government committed more than $40 million of additional resourcing to the Clean Energy Regulator to halve the development time of new ERF methods to less than 12 months. 

By the end of 2021, five new methods will be delivered: carbon capture and storage, soil carbon, biomethane or green gas, and plantation forestry. 

The Clean Energy Regulator develops priority methods through a co-design process with industry, potential end-users, scientists and technical experts, and the Emissions Reduction Assurance Committee. 

The Government welcomes input from industry and other stakeholders on the development of new methods for 2022. To contribute to the consultation process, visit: https://consult.industry.gov.au/climate-change/erf-method-development-priorities-for-2022 

Submissions are open until 26 August 2021.

Media contact:

Minister Taylor's office: 02 6277 7120