Live AU Certificate Prices Twitter Linkedin-in Youtube Buy and Sell Global RECs Contact

On-Farm Energy and Electrification Demonstration Program

16 October 2026 11 December 2026, 5:00 pm AEDT

The On-Farm Energy and Electrification Demonstration Program is a Victorian Government grant initiative offering between $200,000 and $750,000 to support industry-led projects that demonstrate innovative energy technologies across Victoria’s agriculture sector.

With up to $5 million in total funding available, the program aims to accelerate the adoption of energy-efficient equipment, farm electrification, renewable energy and energy storage technologies. Projects will demonstrate practical solutions that reduce energy costs, improve productivity, lower emissions and strengthen the long-term sustainability of Victorian farming operations.

The program focuses on real-world demonstrations that help farmers understand the costs, benefits and return on investment of energy technologies, supporting wider adoption across the agricultural industry.

Who is this for?

The program is designed for eligible organisations operating within Victoria’s agriculture and primary production sectors, including agricultural industry associations, farming groups, research organisations and technology providers working in partnership with industry.

Projects must be delivered at demonstration sites within Victoria and demonstrate benefits that can be shared with other farming businesses, industries or regions.

Eligibility

You can apply if you:

Are an agriculture industry association or business chamber that represents, supports or advocates for members engaged in primary production activities.
Are a Farming System or Landcare Group.
Are a Traditional Owner group, First Nations organisation or Aboriginal business involved in primary production activities.
Are a Research and Development Corporation.
Are a Catchment Management Authority (CMA).
Are a partnership, consortium, alliance or co-operative of primary producers and one or more of the above organisations.
Are a company with proven or new-to-market ready solutions, with the capacity to demonstrate these on-farm and partner with one or more of the above organisations.

In addition, applicants must:

Be a legal entity with an Australian Business Number (ABN).
Operate within Victoria, including the location of demonstration project sites.
Be financially solvent.
Be registered for Goods and Services Tax (GST), if required.

All applications must nominate a Lead Organisation authorised to endorse the application, verify funding commitments and enter into a funding agreement.

Individual farming businesses cannot apply independently but may participate through a partnership with an eligible organisation.

Government agencies (except CMAs), local government authorities and entities in breach of Victorian Government funding agreements are generally ineligible.

What funding is available?

Grants of $200,000 to $750,000 (excluding GST) are available for eligible projects.

Projects valued below $200,000 may also be considered where they demonstrate a clear industry or regional need and strong potential for broader sector benefits.

Projects involving significant asset purchases are generally expected to provide a cash co-contribution of at least 50% of the asset cost. Lower contributions may be considered where applicants provide appropriate justification and supporting evidence.

In-kind contributions are recognised during assessment but cannot be counted towards the required cash contribution.

What can the funding be used for?

Funding supports the implementation and demonstration of energy technologies that deliver measurable improvements in on-farm energy efficiency, fuel consumption, emissions and productivity.

Eligible technologies and project activities relevant to Northmore Gordon’s energy solutions include:

Energy efficiency upgrades – Installation of high-efficiency heat pumps, heat recovery systems, variable speed drives and other technologies that reduce energy consumption.
Farm electrification – Replacement of diesel or gas-powered equipment with electric or hybrid alternatives, including irrigation pumps, ventilation and processing equipment.
Energy monitoring and optimisation – Implementation of smart controls, sensors, automation and energy management technologies that improve operational efficiency and reduce energy consumption.
Solar energy systems – Installation of solar photovoltaic systems integrated with farm operations to improve energy performance and reduce reliance on purchased electricity.
Battery energy storage – Installation of battery storage systems that improve the use, management and reliability of on-farm electricity.
Electrical infrastructure upgrades – Necessary electrical upgrades, including switchboards and three-phase power infrastructure, where directly required to enable an eligible demonstration project. These costs are limited to 20% of the total grant funding amount.

Funding may also support eligible installation, commissioning, project delivery, monitoring and demonstration activities associated with these technologies.

Projects must demonstrate practical outcomes and generate evidence that can support the adoption of similar technologies across Victoria’s agriculture sector.

Key project requirements

Successful projects must:

Demonstrate proven technologies not yet widely adopted or new-to-market technologies that deliver measurable energy and emissions benefits.
Show how the technology can be replicated or scaled across other farms, industries or regions.
Provide evidence of expected energy savings, operating costs, productivity improvements and return on investment.
Include a Knowledge Sharing Plan outlining how project results and lessons will be communicated to the wider agricultural industry.
Complete project implementation within 12 months of executing the funding agreement.
Undertake knowledge-sharing and demonstration activities for up to 12 months following implementation.
Meet monitoring, reporting and evaluation requirements, including potential participation in evaluation activities for up to two years after final financial acquittal.

Projects focused solely on early-stage feasibility studies, unproven technologies, residential energy systems or routine operational expenditure are not eligible.

Important dates

Applications open: 16 October 2026

Applications close: 5:00 pm, Friday 11 December 2026

Applicants notified: February 2027

Funding decisions will be made following the November 2026 Victorian state election and are subject to consideration by the incoming government.

How can Northmore Gordon help?

Northmore Gordon can help eligible organisations identify energy efficiency and electrification opportunities that align with the objectives of the On-Farm Energy and Electrification Demonstration Program.

Our team can assist with assessing suitable technologies, evaluating potential energy and cost savings, and developing practical solutions that support measurable project outcomes.

Whether your project involves solar PV, battery storage, heat pumps, energy-efficient equipment or farm electrification, Northmore Gordon can help you explore suitable solutions and prepare the technical information needed to support your funding proposal.

How to apply

Applications close at 5:00 pm on Friday 11 December 2026.

If your organisation is considering an on-farm energy efficiency, electrification or renewable energy demonstration project, contact Northmore Gordon to discuss your eligibility and project requirements.

Our team can help you assess potential opportunities and take the next steps towards a grant application.

Contact Northmore Gordon today to discuss your project and explore the funding opportunities available through the On-Farm Energy and Electrification Demonstration Program.

Contact An Expert

Craig Morgan

Sales & Marketing Director

Craig is a mechanical engineer with 30 years’ experience including more than fifteen years’ assisting organisations manage energy, greenhouse gas…

Craig is a mechanical engineer with 30 years’ experience including more than fifteen years’ assisting organisations manage energy, greenhouse gas emissions, and the impacts of climate change. This includes seven years focused on energy management, and greenhouse gas inventory development and mitigation, and six years on renewable energy generation systems. Speak with Craig Morgan to discuss the right strategy and solutions for your next project.

Read LessContact Craig Back to Grants and Programs