NSW invests $26.2 million in low-emissions clean technology
Penny Sharpe
Minister for Climate Change
Minister for Energy
Minister for Environment
Minister for Heritage
Leader of the Government in the Legislative Council
Anoulack Chanthivong
Minister for Better Regulation and Fair Trading
Minister for Industry and Trade
Minister for Innovation, Science and Technology
Minister for Building
Minister for Corrections
Tuesday, 15 July 2025
The Minns Labor Government is investing $26.2 million to spearhead the next wave of emissions reduction technologies, supporting cutting-edge solutions which deliver both environmental and economic benefits to the state.
The Clean Technology Innovation grants support 13 projects across NSW to advance their technologies from research to commercial businesses, these include:
- Underwater robotic hull cleaners that reduce ship emissions and fuel consumption, eliminate harmful coatings and prevent the spread of invasive species.
- A drag-reducing adhesive film for aircraft, inspired by the skin of fast swimming sharks, that reduces emissions.
- Testing a cleaner method to extract lithium for batteries, to make the process more efficient and cost effective.
- Turning farm waste into green hydrogen and ammonia using a new on-farm technology.
- Setting up the world’s first commercial manufacturing facility for Printed Solar, which was rolled out in stadiums during Coldplay’s world tour.
The Minns Labor Government is delivering this significant funding injection as part of the $275 million Net Zero Manufacturing Initiative to fuel new investment, new jobs and new opportunities for NSW businesses, industries, communities and workers.
The grants focus on developing and implementing technologies that don’t currently exist in the marketplace but have the capability to reduce emissions and assist with the state’s net zero targets.
Each project will progress through stages including design, prototyping, construction, testing and real-world scenarios to ensure commercial viability. Funding ranges from $400,000 to $5 million per project.
In addition to the NSW Government’s funding, the projects have also successfully attracted $46.9 million in private investment, demonstrating strong industry confidence in their potential.
The successful projects must be completed by 2028, delivering tangible outcomes in the state’s transition to a low-carbon economy.
For more information visit www.energy.nsw.gov.au/business-and-industry/programs-grants-and-schemes/clean-technology-innovation.
Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Penny Sharpe said:
“The Minns Labor Government is investing in the new technologies, jobs and industries that will drive our state’s transition to a low-carbon economy, create new jobs as we address the critical challenges climate change presents.
“This investment will see these projects transition into practical, real-world solutions for emissions reduction that also boost innovators, investment and new jobs.”
Minister for Innovation, Science and Technology, Anoulack Chanthivong, said:
“Building a green innovation economy is critical to NSW’s long-term prosperity.
“These projects are a perfect example of our Industry Policy in action, which has identified the transition to a net zero economy as one of its three key missions, alongside local manufacturing and increasing housing supply.
“This is also an example of our Innovation Blueprint coming to life as we build clean technology communities that fuel technological advancements as well as new investment, new jobs, and new opportunities right across the state.”
CEO and Founder of Novalith, Steven Vassiloudis said:
“Australia has a once-in-a-generation opportunity to lead the global energy transition, not just by exporting minerals, but by exporting the technology that makes them cleaner, cheaper, and more sustainable to produce.
“This support from the NSW Government recognises the vital role homegrown solutions like Novalith’s can play in building resilient supply chains and accelerating the world’s shift to a low-carbon future.”
Summary of funded projects:
| Applicant Name | Funding granted | Product/ Project description |
| MicroTau, St Peters | $2,500,000 | MicroTau is exploring how to produce more of its special riblet film product, inspired by the skin of fast swimming sharks, which sticks to planes and helps them move through the air more easily. By reducing drag, it can lower fuel use and cut emissions from the aviation industry. |
| Novalith Technologies Pty Ltd, Alexandria | $1,500,000 | This project focuses on scaling its novel lithium extraction process to a commercial scale. The technology enables the sustainable production of low-cost, low-impact lithium carbonate directly from spodumene to strengthen global supply chains of battery materials. |
| PlasmaLeap Technologies, Marrickville | $2,584,617 | Testing a cleaner, cheaper way to make fertiliser directly on farms. It will design and build a small, low-emission fertiliser unit for regional NSW, helping farmers cut costs and reduce environmental impact. |
| 5B Holdings Pty Ltd, Mascot
|
$2,500,000 | Developing and testing the Next Generation Maverick Solution: a new solar panel system that’s faster to build, easier to install and cheaper to produce. It’s designed to work well even in places where labour costs are high, helping make solar energy more affordable and scalable. |
| Hullbot, Rozelle | $1,943,218 | Developing robotic hull cleaners to cut ship fuel use and emissions by 20%, eliminate toxic coatings, and stop invasive species. This project will scale up the robot design and production system to deliver the service to ships. |
| H Nu Pty Ltd, Gosford
|
$432,500 | Build a production line for novel fibre-optic based, lightweight, highly accurate current and voltage measuring systems for high-voltage grids. This type of low-cost, accurate metering is key to a successful renewable grid. |
| Sicona Battery Technologies Pty Ltd, Unanderra
|
$1,675,000 | Validate the technical and commercial feasibility of Edge Functionalised Graphene technology through a pilot plant, ensuring it meets industry standards for energy efficiency and sustainability. |
| Lab 360 Solar Pty Ltd, Maryvale
|
$1,775,000 | Transform daylight photoluminescence (DPL) inspection methods into a commercial tool that can be used at scale. By improving the technology and data analysis, it will help solar operators find faults, boost performance and lower costs. |
| FPR Energy Limited, Mayfield West
|
$4,850,000 | Commercialise FPR Energy’s particle based concentrated solar thermal technology, to provide long duration green heat and power. These battery energy storage systems cater to industrial, commercial and residential needs. |
| Renewable Metals Pty Ltd, Muswellbrook
|
$1,100,000 | Assess the feasibility of NSW’s first commercial lithium battery recycling refinery. It would help build a local recycling industry, support clean technology and keep valuable battery materials in use across energy, transport and industry. |
| HydGene Renewables Pty Ltd, Lane Cove
|
$2,500,000 | This project is turning farm waste into green bio-hydrogen and ammonia – clean fuels that can be used on farms. It will demonstrate a scalable technology that can be used on farms, boosting the agriculture sector, enhancing sustainability and reducing waste. |
| Kardinia Energy Pty Ltd, Shortland
|
$2,255,000 | Setting up the world’s first commercial manufacturing facility for Printed Solar – lightweight, flexible solar panels that can go where traditional ones can’t. It opens up new markets and takes clean energy to more places. |
| BT Imaging, Waterloo
|
$598,391 | Pioneer the development of the world’s first in-line Photoluminescence and Machine Vision solution with automated tuning. It will help make solar cells more efficient and cost-effective. |
| TOTAL FUNDING | $26,213, 726 |
