Australia and Singapore are working on low-emission technology projects: Statements have appeared on the websites of Australia’s national science agency CSIRO, as well as the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA), on 17 July 2024, issuing a grant call for proposals for the Australia-Singapore Low-Emissions Technologies (ASLET) initiative.
Under the initiative, the partners aim to accelerate towards a net-zero emissions future while delivering bilateral economic benefits. The ASLET is supported by the governments of Singapore and Australia.
The objectives of the ASLET grant opportunity are to provide funding to projects that will contribute to the reduction of the costs of using low-emission fuels and technologies, including clean hydrogen and its derivatives, and ammonia in maritime and port operations.
Furthermore, the goal is to improve the technical and commercial readiness of low-emission fuels and technologies in maritime and port operations, including industry awareness and acceptance. It also includes supporting industry investment in, and uptake of low emissions technologies in Australia and Singapore, as well as increased economic and employment opportunities.
This is to be achieved through developing technology and infrastructure at ports to accommodate the adoption of low-emissions fuels.
Company projects can be supported up to 30% (for non-SMEs) or up to 50% (for SMEs) of project grant from the MINT fund for qualifying items, according to MPA Singapore.
Through this contribution, Australia and Singapore want to achieve reduced emissions in both countries. They are working towards national emissions reduction targets and global emissions reduction targets set by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) for shipping.
Applications for funding were opened on 15 July 2024. The proposals must be submitted no later than 13 September 2024.
Successful applicants will be notified in early 2025 and projects must be completed by 30 June 2027.
Objectives of the Singapore Port
The MPA states the objectives of the ASLET grant opportunity are to provide funding to projects that will contribute to the following outcomes:
- Reduced costs of using low emissions fuels and technologies, including clean hydrogen and its derivatives, in maritime and port operations.
- Improved technical and commercial readiness of low emissions fuels and technologies in maritime and port operations, including industry awareness and acceptance.
- Improved industry investment in, and uptake of low emissions technologies in Australia and Singapore, as well as increased economic and employment opportunities.
- Reduced emissions in Australia and Singapore through contribution towards national emissions reduction targets and global emissions reductions targets set by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) for shipping.
- Strengthened connections among Australia and Singapore maritime and port industry users, technology suppliers, researchers, and other relevant industry participants.
ASLET is Now Calling for Proposals
ASLET is providing grant funding to support applied research, pilot and demonstration projects that will contribute to reduced cost, increased safety and accelerated uptake of low emission technologies for maritime and port operations.
For projects with Australian lead applicants, there is up to AU$8.4 million available to fund successful projects.
- The minimum grant amount is AU$500,000.
- The maximum grant amount is AU$3 million.
The lead applicant and project partners (if applicable) are required to contribute towards project activities. The grant amount will be up to a maximum of 50 per cent of eligible project expenditure.
For full details on funding requirements follow this LINK to the CSIRO page.
Also see our recent related article: Our Trade and Shipping with Singapore.
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