WA Clean Energy Future Fund (CEFF) Round 4

Purpose and Program Overview

The Clean Energy Future Fund (CEFF) Round 4 is a Western Australian Government grant program designed to support the testing, demonstration and early deployment of innovative clean energy technologies that deliver measurable emissions reductions and public benefits. The program aims to accelerate clean energy innovation, contribute to decarbonisation objectives, stimulate local industry participation and support broader adoption of low-emissions technologies across Western Australia.

Round 4 offers targeted financial support to projects that help diversify the WA economy while delivering community, environmental and economic outcomes. With a total funding pool of around $9 million, this round continues the State’s commitment to fostering clean energy innovation and reducing greenhouse gas emissions in line with strategic decarbonisation goals.

The Clean Energy Future Fund has been progressively expanded as part of the WA Sectoral Emissions Reduction Strategy, extending support to a broader range of technologies and project types since its launch. The fund is administered by the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation with support from Energy Policy WA.

Key Grant Details

• Funding range: $100,000 to $4 million per project (GST exclusive)
  
• Total round funding: Approx. $9 million available
  
• Funding contribution rate: Up to 25% of eligible project costs
  
• Application open date: January 6, 2026
  
• Application close date: 8:00 am AWST, April 20, 2026
  
• Notification of outcomes: Estimated late 2026
  
• Eligible entity types: Corporations, local government, universities, government research organisations or consortia with an eligible lead applicant
  
• Project location requirement: Projects must primarily occur in Western Australia

Priority Sectors

Round 4 explicitly prioritises projects in the following areas:

• Meaningful participation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
  
• Long-duration energy storage (10+ hours) by 2030
  
• Supporting green exports and value-adding to WA minerals
  
• Increasing supply and resilience of electricity networks, especially in regional/ fringe areas
  
• Decarbonisation and electrification of heavy industry and manufacturing
  
• Replacement of diesel generation with renewable energy
  
• Enhancing local manufacturing and content in project delivery

Funding Scope

• Minimum amount per project: $100,000
  
• Maximum amount per project: $4,000,000
  
• Percentage of eligible costs funded: Up to 25
  
• Project funding duration: Projects must be completed within five years of signing the funding agreement
  
• Payment structure: Milestone-based payments in arrears on evidence of completion
  

Eligibility Criteria

Eligible applications must meet these key requirements:

• Applicant must be an Australian incorporated entity under relevant legislation, a local government entity, a university or a government research organisation
  
• Lead applicant must hold an ABN and be GST registered (where applicable)
  
• The project must primarily take place in Western Australia
  
• Projects must involve clean energy technologies that reduce greenhouse gas emissions from stationary energy use
  
• The CEFF funding request plus other WA government grants must not exceed 25% of eligible costs
  
• Projects must be permissible by law and able to commence within six months of contract execution
  
• Projects already significantly started prior to application may be deemed less eligible

Eligible Activities and Expenses

The fund supports a broad range of activities that demonstrate or deploy clean energy solutions, including:

• Deployment, testing and demonstration of innovative clean energy technologies
  
• Renewable generation projects (e.g., solar, wind)
  
• Battery and long-duration energy storage systems
  
• Energy efficiency and electrification initiatives
  
• Projects replacing diesel energy sources with renewables
  
• Engineering, design and professional services directly related to project delivery

Assessment Process

• Competitive assessment: Applications are evaluated against merit criteria
• Key evaluation criteria include:
  
  • Extent of emissions reduction potential
    
  • Likelihood of broad adoption and public benefit
    
  • Alignment with Ministerial priorities and strategic goals
    
  • Value for money and feasibility of project delivery
    
• Projects are awarded on their ability to demonstrate technical merit, benefit and readiness for implementation.

Recent Program Updates

• Round 4 opened: January 6, 2026 with ~$9 million in funding
  
• Webinars offered: Sessions on grant details (29 Jan) and financial model completion (3 Feb)
  
• The CEFF has been extended under the Sectoral Emissions Reduction Strategy with additional funding to 2030–31, raising the total fund to approximately $37 million.

Application Tips

• Confirm eligibility and funding limits before drafting the application.
  
• Prepare a detailed financial model and project milestones in advance.
  
• Align project outcomes with WA Government decarbonisation priorities.
  
• Demonstrate project feasibility, emission reduction potential, and community benefits.
  
• Ensure documentation is complete and submitted well before the closing deadline.

Where to Get Help

Consider consulting a grant specialist, such as Pattens Group, for a personalised eligibility assessment and expert assistance in preparing a strong, compliant, and competitive application. Contact us today and get connected with Australia’s best grant specialist, boasting extensive experience and a high success rate. For official guidelines, application details, templates, and further information, visit the official website of Clean Energy Future Fund and associated Western Australian Government resources.