Renewable Hydrogen Fund Round 2 Guidelines
2 Renewable Hydrogen Fund Round 2
Contents
Executive summary ........................................................................................................................... 3
1. Overview ........................................................................................................................................ 4
1.1 Purpose ......................................................................................................................................................... 4
1.2 Fund Outcomes ............................................................................................................................................. 4
1.3 Funding Priorities .......................................................................................................................................... 4
2. Eligibility Criteria ........................................................................................................................... 6
2.1 Eligibility Criterion A – Eligible Applicant ....................................................................................................... 6
2.2 Eligibility Criterion B – Eligible Activity .......................................................................................................... 7
2.3 Eligibility Criterion C – Take place in Western Australia ............................................................................... 7
2.4 Eligibility Criterion D – Knowledge Sharing ................................................................................................... 7
2.5 Eligibility Criterion E – Disclosure Requirements .......................................................................................... 7
3. Merit Criteria .................................................................................................................................. 8
3.1 Merit Criterion A – Contributes to the Fund Objective and Outcomes (25%) ............................................... 8
3.2 Merit Criterion B – Applicant Capability and Capacity (20%) ........................................................................ 8
3.3 Merit Criterion C – Proposed Project Plan: Design, Methodology, Risk and Compliance (30%) ................. 9
3.4 Merit Criterion D – Proposed Project Plan: Financial Viability and Funding Commitment (15%) ............... 10
3.5 Merit Criterion E – Knowledge Sharing Plan (10%) .................................................................................... 10
4. Application and Assessment Process ....................................................................................... 12
4.1 Application Process ..................................................................................................................................... 12
4.2 Assessment Process ................................................................................................................................... 13
5. Applicant Funding Contribution ................................................................................................. 14
6. Funding Arrangements ............................................................................................................... 15
6.1 Financial Assistance Agreement ................................................................................................................. 15
6.2 Payment of Funding – Conditions and Obligations ..................................................................................... 15
6.3 Tax Information ........................................................................................................................................... 15
7. Application Requirements .......................................................................................................... 16
7.1 Risk Management Plan ............................................................................................................................... 16
7.2 Community Engagement Plan .................................................................................................................... 16
7.3 Local Content Plan ...................................................................................................................................... 16
7.4 Knowledge Sharing Plan ............................................................................................................................. 16
8. Further Program Information ...................................................................................................... 17
8.1 Freedom of Information, Confidentiality and Disclosure of Information ...................................................... 17
8.2 Privacy Statement ....................................................................................................................................... 17
8.3 Intellectual Property .................................................................................................................................... 17
9. No Legal Relationship ................................................................................................................. 18
10. Reservation of Rights ................................................................................................................ 19
11. Exclusion of Liability ................................................................................................................. 20
12. Glossary ..................................................................................................................................... 21
Frequently Asked Questions .......................................................................................................... 23
3 Renewable Hydrogen Fund Round 2
Executive summary The Western Australian (WA) Renewable Hydrogen Strategy (Strategy), launched on 18 July 2019, sets
out the Western Australian Government’s vision for WA to be a significant producer, exporter and user of
renewable hydrogen. One of the key actions of the Strategy was an initial $10 million round of the
Renewable Hydrogen Fund (Fund). The first round of the Fund has closed and the successful grant
recipients have been announced.
In 2020, under the WA Recovery Plan, the WA Government allocated $5 million to a second round of the
Fund to support the development of the renewable hydrogen industry. The Department of Jobs, Tourism,
Science and Innovation’s (the department) Renewable Hydrogen Unit will be administering the second
round of the Fund. Round 2 is available to both Feasibility Studies and Capital Works Projects.
Applications must fall within one of the four Strategic Focus Areas as outlined in the Strategy, which are:
Export
Remote Applications
Blending
Transport.
Applications must demonstrate investment in and/or progress towards meeting the 2022 and 2030 goals
identified in the Strategy and the WA Renewable Hydrogen Roadmap (Roadmap). Round 2 will be
delivered through a competitive grant funding process. The Application process is a one-stage Application,
for grant funding for a Proposed Project. Please note that a Capital Works Proposed Project must be
underpinned by a completed and viable feasibility study.
All Applications must:
meet the eligibility criteria (Section 2)
be assessed against the merit criteria (Section 3)
be completed online, via SmartyGrants (https://rhf.smartygrants.com.au/)
As mentioned in the Strategy and Roadmap, regulatory issues that arise in the context of Proposed
Projects will be considered and, if deemed appropriate, may be reviewed by the department for further
discussion with relevant agencies/bodies. The department reserves full discretion as to the regulatory work
it will undertake in assisting the development of the hydrogen industry in WA.
Key activities:
Activity Dates/Timeframe1 Time
Round 2 of the fund opens for Applications Friday, 22 January 2021 12:00pm (AWST)
Application submission deadline Friday, 19 February 2021 4:00pm (AWST)
Assessment of Applications and approval of successful Applications
Up to 14 weeks
Notification to Applicants of grant funding outcome Within 4 months of closing date
Execution of Financial Assistance Agreements (FAA) Up to 30 business days from notification
1 Timeframes are indicative and can be subject to change
4 Renewable Hydrogen Fund Round 2
1. Overview The purpose of the Renewable Hydrogen Fund Round 2 Guidelines (Guidelines) is to provide a framework
for the operation of this funding round and the Application process. The Guidelines should be read in
conjunction with the Strategy and the Roadmap.
1.1 Purpose
The Strategy sets out the WA Government’s vision for WA to be a significant producer, exporter and user of
renewable hydrogen. One of the key actions of the Strategy was an initial $10 million round of the Fund.
The first round of the Fund has closed and the successful grant recipients have been announced.
Under the WA Recovery Plan, $5 million has been allocated to a second round of the Fund. The second
round is designed to assist the development of WA’s renewable hydrogen industry and leverage WA’s
competitive and comparative advantages.
1.2 Fund Outcomes
The Fund objective is to contribute to one or more of the following outcomes:
a) increase the value of investment in the WA renewable hydrogen industry
b) demonstrate the ease of scalability and replication
c) demonstrate the creation of local jobs, building economic resilience, and increasing socio-economic
benefits to WA
d) increase skills, capacity and knowledge relevant to renewable hydrogen technologies
e) promote cost efficiencies that will maximise WA’s competitive and comparative advantages in
renewable hydrogen
f) promote research, development and deployment of renewable hydrogen technologies
g) increase the opportunity to explore collaboration and partnerships with other aligned industries
h) complements and aligns with other strategic priorities for the WA Government
1.3 Funding Priorities
The second round of grant funding will provide grants to support WA’s renewable hydrogen industry for,
• Feasibility Studies to support investment decisions for a Proposed Project
• Capital Works Projects to support the building of pilot/demonstrations and/or early
commercialisation of capital works projects (which may include a research and development
component)
5 Renewable Hydrogen Fund Round 2
The allocation of the $5 million round and the maximum grant amount for a Proposed Project are shown in
the following table and may be allocated to one or multiple projects. The amounts below are indicative only
and subject to full assessment:
Renewable Hydrogen Fund Round 2 Maximum grant request per proposal
Feasibility Studies Up to $300,000
Capital Works Projects Up to $5 million
6 Renewable Hydrogen Fund Round 2
2. Eligibility Criteria The Applicant must meet all of the eligibility criteria in this section.
Applicants may apply for separate grant funding for Feasibility Studies and Capital Works Projects, but the
funding request cannot be for the same project in this round.
2.1 Eligibility Criterion A – Eligible Applicant
Partnerships are strongly encouraged to apply, with one organisation identified as the Primary Applicant of
the Proposed Project. To be eligible for consideration the Primary Applicant must satisfy the following
criteria:
1. Have an Australian Business Number (ABN) or have an Australian Registered Business Number at
the time of applying for grant funding and be one of the following:
a) a for-profit, registered company operating in Australia
b) a local government
c) a not-for-profit organisation that is a legal entity
d) an industry association, cooperative, or partnership
e) an incorporated body, or have equivalent status (i.e. represented by an incorporated auspicing
body)
f) a university or training institution
g) a WA Government agency
h) an Australian entity incorporated under the Corporations Act 2001
i) a Government Trading Enterprise (GTE)
2. Has the authority to make the Application, including approval(s) to provide the minimum Applicant
contribution to the total project cost.
Please note an Applicant is not eligible to apply if it is a:
a) school or hospital
b) trust
c) Australian Government agency
d) sole trader or individual
An Application submitted by a Primary Applicant who nominates project delivery Partner(s) will be
considered, provided the Primary Applicant meets the Applicant eligibility criteria in accordance with
section 2.1. The Primary Applicant undertakes the role of the Lead Partner in respect of project delivery
and has obtained prior written approval for the engagement of the Partner(s) for the Proposed Project.
There must be signed contractual arrangements in place between the Primary Applicant and the Partner(s).
The Primary Applicant must provide evidence of the contractual commitments in the Application. The
evidence can consist of the provision of a contractual agreement, or a Memorandum of Understanding that
sets out the details of the engagement and commitments, including financial contributions, to be provided
by the Primary Applicant and the Partner(s).
7 Renewable Hydrogen Fund Round 2
2.2 Eligibility Criterion B – Eligible Activity
The Applicant must demonstrate to the satisfaction of the department that the activity described in the
Proposed Project addresses at least one of the four Strategic Focus Areas identified in the Strategy.
The Applicant must commit to a minimum cash contribution of 25 per cent of total project costs.
It is expected that the Proposed Project is completed within 30 months of FAA execution or no later than
30 June 2024.
The Applicant must warrant ownership of and access to, or the beneficial use of, any intellectual property
necessary to carry out the Proposed Project.
2.3 Eligibility Criterion C – Take place in Western Australia
The Applicant must demonstrate to the satisfaction of the department that the Proposed Project will take
place in Western Australia.
Except in exceptional circumstances, no more than 10 per cent of grant funding (other than equipment and
materials purchase) is to be used towards overseas expenditure.
2.4 Eligibility Criterion D – Knowledge Sharing
The Applicant must enter into an agreement with the department to provide a Public Knowledge Sharing
Report at the conclusion of the project. Capital Works Projects are required to enter into an agreement with
the department to provide a Public Knowledge Sharing Report as well as a Government Knowledge
Sharing Report at the conclusion of the project.
2.5 Eligibility Criterion E – Disclosure Requirements
The Applicant must disclose to the department:
Any litigation, legal proceedings, judicial or administrative enquiry, investigation, claim or allegation,
actual or threatened, and whether admitted or contested by another person or body (including
regulatory bodies such as the Australian Securities and Investment Commission or equivalent
bodies) against or in any way involving the Applicant or a related body corporate of the Applicant as
defined in the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth)
Proven or alleged breach or default of or under any law, regulation or agreement, order or award
binding on the Applicant or a related body corporate
disclose details or any arrangements, matters or circumstances that may constitute or be
reasonably likely to constitute an actual, potential or perceived conflict of interest with its
involvement in the Application or the Project or the Application process
provide details of its proposed strategy to manage any actual or potential conflict of interest
disclose where it has a connection with another Applicant or a person comprised in that Applicant,
together with details of that connection
The department reserves the right not to support an Application if it is not satisfied that adequate
arrangements are in place to appropriately address and manage a perceived or actual conflict of interest.
8 Renewable Hydrogen Fund Round 2
3. Merit Criteria Once a Proposed Project has been assessed to have satisfied the Eligibility Criteria, it will be assessed against the Merit Criteria.
This section provides non-exhaustive guidance on how the Applicant can demonstrate merit against each criterion. The amount of detail and supporting evidence the Applicant provides in the Application should correspond with the Proposed Project size, complexity, and grant amount requested.
Please note, the below criteria are weighted for assessment.
3.1 Merit Criterion A – Contributes to the Fund Objective and Outcomes (25%)
This criterion assesses how well the Proposed Project contributes to the Fund Objective and Outcomes,
taking into account the four Strategic Focus Areas in the Strategy.
The Applicant can demonstrate merit by describing:
a) which of the four Strategic Focus Areas in the Strategy the Proposed Project addresses
b) how the Proposed Project contributes to the Fund Outcomes, such as:
i. increase the value of investment in the WA renewable hydrogen industry
ii. demonstrate the ease of scalability and replication
iii. demonstrate the creation of local jobs, building economic resilience, and increasing socio-economic benefits to WA
iv. increase skills, capacity and knowledge relevant to renewable hydrogen technologies
v. promote cost efficiencies that will maximise WA’s competitive and comparative advantages in renewable hydrogen
vi. promote research, development and deployment of renewable hydrogen technologies
vii. increase the opportunity to explore collaboration and partnerships with other aligned industries
viii. complements and aligns with other strategic priorities for the WA Government
3.2 Merit Criterion B – Applicant Capability and Capacity (20%)
This criterion assesses the capability and capacity of the Primary Applicant and Project Partners (if
applicable) to deliver the Proposed Project.
The Applicant can demonstrate merit by describing:
a) the Applicant’s capability as it is relevant to the Proposed Project, including:
i. management, commercial, professional and technical expertise, and that of key personnel
ii. track record, in delivering outcomes from similar activities on time and on budget
iii. professional excellence and experience, including any relevant accreditations, quality standards and benchmarks
9 Renewable Hydrogen Fund Round 2
b) the Applicant’s capacity as it is relevant to the Proposed Project, including:
i. the resources, including personnel, physical resources and facilities, that the Applicant will use
to deliver the Proposed Project, including confirmation that they will be available at the times
necessary during the Proposed Project to successfully achieve the proposed outcomes
3.3 Merit Criterion C – Proposed Project Plan: Design, Methodology, Risk and Compliance (30%)
This criterion assesses:
a) how well designed and planned the Proposed Project is, including whether it has clearly defined
objectives and methodology, as well as the approach to identifying, managing and reporting the
personnel, delivery, technical and financial risks of the Proposed Project
b) risk in terms of the likely success of the Proposed Project, the achievement of intended outcomes
that align with the Fund Outcomes, and the Strategic Focus Areas in the Strategy
c) a Risk Management Plan as detailed in section 7.1
d) a Community Engagement Plan as detailed in section 7.2
e) for Capital Works Projects, a Local Content Plan as detailed in section 7.3
f) Applicant’s compliance with current occupational health and safety legislation, dangerous goods
legislation, environmental legislation, and applicable regulatory/legislative requirements
g) how the proposed Capital Works Project can procure and reasonably obtain all necessary
approvals and licences
h) how the proposed Feasibility Study will lead to an investment decision for the proposed project
and will provide a pathway to deliver a project that is likely to proceed in the near future
The Applicant can demonstrate merit by describing:
a) the technical design and delivery methodology of the Proposed Project, including:
i. procurement methodology for the provision of any goods and services (where more than
one quote is not being obtained, the quality of the explanation provided will be assessed)
b) For Feasibility Study applications, a well-articulated implementation plan for the Proposed Project,
including:
i. timeframes, proposed milestones and deliverables
ii. appropriate governance structure for delivery
c) For Capital Works Project applications, a well-articulated strategic business case, including:
i. timeframes, proposed milestones and deliverables
ii. appropriate governance structure for delivery
iii. a Feasibility Study confirming that the investment decision is valid, and that the Capital
Works Project is technically and financially feasible
iv. appropriate government approvals required for construction
v. the Applicant’s ability to meet ongoing operating and maintenance costs
d) The risk associated with key personnel, delivery, technical aspects and finances of the Proposed
Project and how these will be managed
10 Renewable Hydrogen Fund Round 2
3.4 Merit Criterion D – Proposed Project Plan: Financial Viability and Funding Commitment (15%)
This criterion assesses the Applicant’s financial capacity to deliver the Proposed Project; whether the
amount of the department grant funding sought and the total cost of the Proposed Project is appropriate. In
doing so it assesses:
a) whether the Applicant and any Project Partners have the financial capacity and appropriate levels
of co-funding commitment to deliver the Proposed Project successfully
b) the extent to which the Applicant or other Project Partners are providing funding for the Proposed
Project
c) relevant industry benchmarks for the economics of a particular Proposed Project
d) whether the Proposed Project could likely proceed in the absence of the department grant
funding
The Applicant can demonstrate merit by explaining why the amount of the department grant funding
requested is appropriate, including:
a) a detailed budget or financial model for the Proposed Project that shows:
i. a breakdown of the expected expenses for the Proposed Project including any overseas
expenses
ii. the total cost of the Proposed Project
iii. the levelised cost of hydrogen to be produced from the Proposed Project
iv. the funding sought from the department and the proposed payment milestones
v. details and amounts of cash and in-kind contributions from the Applicant and all other sources
vi. the cash flow profile of the Proposed Projects
b) evidence of support by the Applicant and any Project Partners, including commitment to provide the
specified cash and in-kind contributions
c) information to confirm that the Applicant (and any Project Partners) has the financial capacity to
fund the proposed share of the funding or in-kind contributions for the duration of the Proposed
Project, and if requested the provision of two years of audited company financial statements
d) any other activities in a similar field for which the Applicant or the key personnel have received
funding in the past three years from Australian Government, WA Government and local
government sources (including funding sources such as ARENA and the WA Renewable Hydrogen
Fund)
3.5 Merit Criterion E – Knowledge Sharing Plan (10%)
This criterion assesses:
a) the value of the knowledge generated by the Proposed Project in contributing to the Fund Objective
and Outcomes
b) how well that knowledge is targeted to specific audiences
c) how the Applicant will capture, store and disseminate the data, information and lessons learned
from the Proposed Project
11 Renewable Hydrogen Fund Round 2
The Applicant can demonstrate merit by describing:
a) how the knowledge generated by the Proposed Project will contribute to the Fund Objective and
Outcomes
b) how well tailored the Knowledge Sharing Plan is to the purpose of the Proposed Project
c) how the data, information and lessons learned from the Proposed Project will be collected, stored,
analysed and disseminated so that it reaches the target audiences
d) a commitment from the Applicant and other Project Partners to deploy resources to produce high
quality knowledge products and communicate the results beyond the Applicant
e) the extent to which the data, information and lessons learned from the Proposed Project will be
made publicly available, including clear identification of what data, information and lessons learned:
i. can be released to the public
ii. the Applicant will provide to the department but is to be treated as commercial in confidence
by the department
iii. the Applicant wishes to keep confidential
f) any constraints that may prevent the Applicant from sharing knowledge and information, such as
intellectual property protection processes and rights of any third parties including third party
materials and intellectual property
12 Renewable Hydrogen Fund Round 2
4. Application and Assessment Process Round 2 of the Fund involves a one-stage application process, which involves submission of an Application
for grant funding for Proposed Projects for Feasibility Studies and Capital Works Projects.
• Step 1: Read the Strategy, the Roadmap, Guidelines and template FAA
• Step 2: If necessary, contact the department ([email protected]) to discuss the Fund
• Step 3: Develop and submit the Application online (as per the process outlined below)
4.1 Application Process
1. Develop and submit the Application
Submit an application via the online grant management platform SmartyGrants
(https://rhf.smartygrants.com.au/).
Applicants must include in their Application:
a) Certificate of Currency for Insurances
i. Workers Compensation: workers’ compensation/employers indemnity insurance in
accordance with the provisions of the Workers Compensation and Injury Management Act
1981 (WA), including cover for common law liability for an amount not less than $50,000,000
ii. Public Liability: public liability insurance in the minimum amount of $20,000,000 for any one
occurrence and unlimited in the aggregate
iii. Professional Indemnity: professional indemnity insurance in the minimum amount of
$5,000,000 per claim
b) Risk Management Plan
c) Community Engagement Plan
d) Local Content Plan (for Capital Works Projects only)
e) Knowledge Sharing Plan
Capital Works Project please note that Applications must be underpinned by a prior feasibility
study.
2. Proposal Assessment
Assessment of Applications will be undertaken by an Assessment Panel with advice from members
of a Technical Advisory Group.
Each Application will be assessed against the relevant eligibility criteria in section 2 and the merit
criteria set out in section 3.
Please note: a credit report may be conducted on Applicants at any time during the assessment
process.
3. Notification of outcome
Applicants will be notified of outcome by email. Feedback on the Application will be provided on
request.
13 Renewable Hydrogen Fund Round 2
Supplementary information or clarification may be requested from the Applicant at any time during the
assessment process. At any time during the assessment process, the Assessment Panel may undertake
due diligence activities considering the value, size and complexity of the Application.
4.2 Assessment Process
The Assessment Panel will be responsible for assessing all Applications and will be comprised of
departmental representatives, supported by a probity advisor.
The Assessment Panel will be supported by a Technical Advisory Group, comprised of technical/ subject
specialists. The Technical Advisory Group will assist with the assessment process and provide expert
comment where required. The Technical Advisory Group may also include special members brought in
from specific government agencies on an as-needs basis where the Application is relevant to that portfolio.
The delegated authority for approval of successful Applications is the Director General of the department.
14 Renewable Hydrogen Fund Round 2
5. Applicant Funding Contribution Applicants need to demonstrate a minimum cash contribution of 25 per cent of the total Proposed Project
cost. The total amount of funding received from the Fund and any other sources of WA Government or
Australian Government funding cannot exceed 75 per cent of the total Proposed Project cost.
This minimum financial contribution of 25 per cent of total project costs must be confirmed at the time of
applying for funding. This contribution is required to ensure there is adequate Applicant investment in the
successful outcomes of the project.
Please note that in-kind contributions, whilst welcome, do not count towards the minimum Applicant funding
contribution.
Applicants must submit:
a budget and/or financial model for the Capital Works Project or Feasibility Study, which includes a
breakdown of all funding sources
noting that all costs for the Proposed Project should be detailed excluding GST
appropriate evidence of co-funding contribution commitments
15 Renewable Hydrogen Fund Round 2
6. Funding Arrangements
6.1 Financial Assistance Agreement
Applicants must read the template FAA before submitting an Application. This template includes the
non-negotiable terms and conditions that successful Applicants will be required to agree to when entering
into a FAA with the department.
Before receiving funds, successful Applicants are required to enter into a FAA, which will outline the
non-negotiable terms, conditions, obligations and reporting requirements of the grant. The FAA must be
signed and returned within thirty (30) business days of the date of notification to Applicants of grant funding
outcome.
FAAs will be established under the Industry and Technology Development Act 1998 (ITD Act). The Director
General of the department has delegated authority to act on behalf of the Minister under the ITD Act.
6.2 Payment of Funding – Conditions and Obligations
Applicants are required to provide a Milestone payment schedule with their Proposed Project and if the
Application is successful, it will be negotiated on a case-by-case basis. Note that signing the FAA will not
be considered a Milestone that warrants a payment.
Funding will only be provided to successful Applicants who agree to the terms of the FAA, including that:
• payment of approved funds will be made in arrears
• the Applicant will be required to submit evidence of Milestone completion before a Milestone payment will be made
The release of the first Milestone payment is contingent on the Applicant having an executed FAA with the
department prior to project commencement. No retrospective payments will be made. Progressive
payments may be made where applicable and subject to the Applicant providing to the satisfaction of the
department:
Evidence of Milestone completion
A Certificate of Currency for Insurances
An updated Risk Management Plan
A Milestone Report
A Statement of Income and Expenses for the project to the date of the progressive payment claim, signed by the Applicant’s Chief Financial Officer or equivalent position. The statement should include details of project expenditure compared to budget
An Acquittal Report must be provided 60 business days after project completion
6.3 Tax Information
Funding provided to recipients under round 2 of the Fund is regarded as payment for a supply.
GST-registered grant recipients will therefore be required to add GST to the amount of funding awarded.
If registered for GST, recipients must provide a tax invoice for the GST inclusive value of the grant.
Applicants are encouraged to seek professional tax advice on the potential implications of obtaining grant
funding.
16 Renewable Hydrogen Fund Round 2
7. Application Requirements
7.1 Risk Management Plan
Applicants are required to include a completed Risk Management Plan in their Application, and provide an
updated Risk Management Plan at each Milestone submission.
The Risk Management Plan for the Proposed Project should include the following features:
clear identification and documentation of all key project risks and categorisation of those risks covering both likelihood of occurrence and potential consequence
the proposed mitigation strategies and associated action plans that the Applicant determines necessary to eliminate the risks or, if this is not possible, minimise the likelihood and consequences of those risks occurring
an Occupational Health and Safety Management Plan
a process for regularly monitoring and updating the Risk Management Plan, and ensuring that it is consistent with relevant industry standards and best practice for this type of Proposed Project
7.2 Community Engagement Plan
The Community Engagement Plan is designed to ensure that community consultation is conducted in a
manner that is inclusive and thorough. No template will be provided by the department, however, the plan
should demonstrate to the department that the socio-economic impacts of the Applicant’s proposal on the
broader community has been considered in the Application.
If the Proposed Project intends to engage, foster productive relationships, and provide economic
opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders people, please include these details in the
Community Engagement Plan.
7.3 Local Content Plan
All Applications for Capital Works Projects are required to include as part of their Application, details of any
grant funding to be expended on local content (local businesses, suppliers, knowledge, and skills), using
the Local Content Plan template provided by the department.
The purpose of the Local Content Plan is to capture key information on expected employment,
apprenticeships and traineeships, local sourcing and other economic benefits to WA.
7.4 Knowledge Sharing Plan
Applicants are required to complete and submit a Knowledge Sharing Plan as part of the Application using
the template provided by the department. A condition of the grant funding is agreement to provide a
Knowledge Sharing Plan about the Proposed Project to help inform industry, government and the broader
community about the activities, development and findings.
An approved Knowledge Sharing Plan will form part of the FAA for the Proposed Project. Once a FAA has
been executed for the Proposed Project, the knowledge sharing requirements for that project may be varied
from time to time as set out in the FAA.
17 Renewable Hydrogen Fund Round 2
8. Further Program Information
8.1 Freedom of Information, Confidentiality and Disclosure of Information
Applicants are informed that the department is subject to the Freedom of Information Act 1992 (WA), which
provides a general right of access to records held by WA Government agencies and local governments.
Applicants are advised that information pertaining to the receipt of WA Government financial assistance will
be tabled in the WA Parliament. This information could include the name of the recipient, the amount of the
assistance, the name of the project and a brief description thereof. This could result in requests for more
details to be released publicly. Applicants should clearly identify all commercial-in-confidence material,
noting that project name, Primary Applicant’s name, grant amount, total project cost and brief project
description will be published for all successful proposals.
Successful Applicants should be aware that their organisation’s name, project name and amount of funding
approved will appear on the department’s website.
The department reserves the right to discuss an Application with a third party if it is deemed necessary to
assist in assessing the Application.
WA Government agencies are subject to legislative and administrative accountability and transparency
requirements of the WA Government including disclosures to the Parliament and its Committees. As such,
Applicants should be aware that disclosure of information outside of WA Government agencies may occur if
the information is required or authorised to be disclosed by law.
8.2 Privacy Statement
Information provided by Applicants or collected by the department in relation to an Applicant or their
Application may be used in the administration of the Fund and in the assessment of this Application.
The department will store personal information collected in this Application, supporting documentation and
any grant administration, monitoring and evaluation activities in compliance with its obligations under the
Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and the Australian Privacy Principles.
8.3 Intellectual Property
Any intellectual property rights that may exist in an Application will remain the property of the Applicant or
the rightful owner of those intellectual property rights.
Any part of an Application considered to contain any intellectual property rights should be clearly identified
by the Applicant. The Applicant grants to the WA Government (and will ensure that relevant third parties
grant) a permanent, non-exclusive, irrevocable licence to use, communicate and reproduce the intellectual
property in the Application for the purpose of administering the funding round.
18 Renewable Hydrogen Fund Round 2
9. No Legal Relationship The Guidelines (inclusive of the Strategy), the submission of an Application by the Applicant and all
documents that form part of the Application, does not create:
any legal relationship
an offer to enter into any contract
a process contract or contract or like contractual obligation
between the Applicant and the department (including the WA Government).
Neither the Guidelines nor any document shall create or give rise to legal or equitable rights or obligations;
such rights or obligations shall only come into being if and when a formal legally binding FAA, is formally
executed between the Applicant and the department.
19 Renewable Hydrogen Fund Round 2
10. Reservation of Rights The department (inclusive of the WA Government), reserves the right at its absolute discretion to
administer the funding round in such manner as it sees fit and may:
• Change the scope, structure, purpose, processes, procedures, terms of participation in and timing of
the funding round including any aspect of the Guidelines, including the eligibility and merit criteria
• Request additional information or clarification from any Applicant or conduct due diligence as
outlined in the Guidelines
• Take into account any information from its own and other sources (including WA Government
agencies or advisors)
• Accept or reject any Application, having regard to the Guidelines or any other matter which the WA
Government considers relevant, including limitations on the funds available in the funding round
• Exercise a right or discretion or perform any act or omit to perform any act under the Guidelines.
• Terminate the participation of any Applicant in the Application process
• Terminate or not proceed with the funding round in the manner outlined in the Guidelines, or at all
20 Renewable Hydrogen Fund Round 2
11. Exclusion of Liability The Applicant will bear entirely and exclusively all costs and expenses whatsoever incurred by the
Applicant in preparing the Application and in any way associated with developing, preparing and submitting
the Application (irrespective of whether or not the Proposed Project proceeds or the Application is accepted
or rejected).
Without limiting the above, the Applicant releases the department (including the WA Government) from all
liability in respect of the Application process and the department is not liable for any loss, expense, cost or
damage, incurred by the Applicant in relation to:
1. the preparation or submission of the Application
2. any exercise, or performance of, or failure of the department to exercise or perform, any rights,
obligations, or duties under the Guidelines
3. otherwise in connection with the Guidelines or Application process
21 Renewable Hydrogen Fund Round 2
12. Glossary Applicant – the applicant/s identified in the Proposed Project and full Application (including the Primary
Applicant and Partners).
Application – an application (or relevant part of an Application) made to the WA Government for funding
under round 2 of the Renewable Hydrogen Fund, and includes a proposal, a full application and any other
supporting or additional information provided by the applicant.
AWST – Australian Western Standard Time.
Capital Works Project – A capital works project is a long-term project to build, improve, operate, maintain,
or develop a capital asset, and must be underpinned by a completed and viable feasibility study.
Feasibility Study – A feasibility study is an analysis that takes all of a project's relevant factors into
account—including economic, business, technical, legal, and scheduling considerations to ascertain the
likelihood of proposed project being completed and operated successfully, noting that concept feasibility
study and pre-feasibility study proposals are not eligible.
Financial Assistance Agreement (FAA) – the agreement to be entered into by the successful Applicant
with the WA Government and will outline the non-negotiable terms, conditions, obligations and reporting
requirements of the grant
Fund – the Western Australian Renewable Hydrogen Fund.
Guidelines – these Applicant Guidelines for the second round of the Western Australian Renewable
Hydrogen Fund.
ITD Act – Industry and Technology Development Act 1998.
Milestone – means any expressed or implied milestone or deliverable referred to in the FAA.
Occupational Health and Safety Management Plan – means a site-specific document that enables the
hazards and risks associated with the work activity to be identified, managed, and mitigated. For further
information, please see: https://www.commerce.wa.gov.au/worksafe/ohse-subbypack-including-safe-work-
method-statement-and-occupational-health-and-safety-plan.
Partners – are other entities, apart from the Primary Applicant named in the proposal or in the Application.
Primary Applicant – the project lead who will be responsible for entering into the FAA with the WA
Government and for meeting the obligations with respect to Milestones and project outcomes contained in
the FAA.
Proposed Project – means the proposed renewable hydrogen project, which is the subject of a feasibility
study, or a pilot/demonstration/early commercialisation capital works project.
Roadmap – the Western Australian Renewable Hydrogen Roadmap.
Round 2 – second round of the Western Australian Renewable Hydrogen Fund.
Strategy – the Western Australian Renewable Hydrogen Strategy.
The department – The Department of Jobs Tourism, Science and Innovation.
Renewable Hydrogen Fund Round 2 FAQs
23 Renewable Hydrogen Fund Round 2
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply if I do not have an ABN?
No – the grant funding is only available to Primary Applicants that are registered businesses with a valid
and active ABN.
My project will be based in WA but the parent company is based interstate/overseas. Can I still apply?
Yes - if the Primary Applicant has a valid and active ABN.
My Certificate of Currency of Insurances is no longer up to date. Can I still apply?
Yes – details of expired insurances should be provided with an explanation as to whether these can or will
be renewed.
I applied for and received grant funding from the first round of the Renewable Hydrogen Fund, can I apply for this funding?
Yes – please provide details in your Application.
Can I apply for both a Feasibility Study grant and a capital works program grant?
Yes – both applications must be independent of each of other and not reliant on the same funding sources.
I think there will be regulatory issues that arise as my project progresses. Will the department assist me in overcoming these barriers?
Regulatory issues that arise in the context of Feasibility Studies and Capital Works Projects will be
considered and, if deemed appropriate, may be reviewed by the department for further discussion with
relevant agencies/bodies. The department reserves full discretion as to the regulatory work it will undertake
in assisting the development of the hydrogen industry in WA.
Will all eligible Project Proposal applications receive funding?
Applications will be assessed on merit and funds allocated accordingly, so therefore not all eligible
applications may receive funding.
24 Renewable Hydrogen Fund Round 2
I cannot complete the online application in one sitting. Will the information on the application be saved if I have to stop using the program for the day?
Yes – the SmartyGrants online grant system allows you to work on your application over a period of time
rather than completing it in one sitting as you can save your work as you go. This is handy if you have to
keep moving between programs to find the information you need to add to your submission. Your
application will remain in the SmartyGrants system for the entire submission period so you can work on
your application over days and weeks until you have either submitted it or the closing deadline. Applicants
are encouraged to frequently save their work in the application form by clicking the Save Progress link at
the bottom of each page of the application form. As well as saving your work, Save Progress ensures
calculations that might take place on a particular page are actioned.
How important is it that my application addresses at least one of the four Strategic Focus Areas in the WA Renewable Hydrogen Strategy? Can I apply if my Feasibility Study or Capital Works Project lies outside these focus areas?
All Proposed Projects must address at least one of the identified four Strategic Focus Areas.
Why are the criteria weighted differently?
The merit criterion have different weightings to signify the level of importance that the criteria area has in
the overall assessment process. Applicants are encouraged to consider the criteria weightings in
developing their responses to each question.
Merit Criterion A – Contributes to the Fund Objective and Outcomes (25%)
Merit Criterion B – Applicant Capability and Capacity (20%)
Merit Criterion C – Proposed Project Plan: Design, Methodology, Risk and Compliance (30%)
Merit Criterion D – Proposed Project Plan: Financial Viability and Funding Commitment (15%)
Merit Criterion E – Knowledge Sharing (10%)
Will I be asked to provide evidence to support the answers I have included in my application?
As identified in the Guidelines, supplementary information or clarification may be requested from the
Applicant at any time during the assessment process. At any time during the assessment process, the
Assessment Panel may undertake due diligence activities considering the value, size and complexity of the
Application.
25 Renewable Hydrogen Fund Round 2
Why do I need to complete a Risk Management Plan, Community Engagement Plan and Local Content Plan?
These plans are a requirement for Merit Criterion C, which is weighted at 30% of the assessment. They will
be used to determine if the Proposed Project identifies, and subsequently addresses all risks and
demonstrate impacts of the Proposed Project. Note: a Local Content Plan is only required for Capital Works
Projects.
What is a Knowledge Sharing Plan and Report?
A Knowledge Sharing Plan is required to be submitted with your application and is a requirement for Merit
Criterion E, which is weighted at 10% of the assessment. The Plan is required to be submitted on the
template provided by the department. The Knowledge Sharing Reports will be an obligation of funding and
the FAA will detail agreed content and Milestone submission dates.
How will the funding be released if my application is successful?
Before receiving funds, successful Applicants are required to enter into a FAA, which will outline the terms,
conditions, obligations and reporting requirements of the grant. A template FAA is provided and applicants
are required to review and understand the obligations of the FAA which must be signed and returned within
thirty (30) business days of the date of issue. The terms and conditions of the FAA are non-negotiable.
Once the FAA is executed, Recipients must submit a tax invoice for the total grant amount to the
department to release payment of funds.
If awarded a grant, what can I spend the funding on?
The following are deemed eligible costs.
Feasibility studies
Professional fees for consultants, financial, economic, planning, technical and engineering
assessments as necessary to complete the feasibility study.
Capital works projects
Capital expenditure for hydrogen related plant, equipment and technology reasonably required for
the Proposed Project.
Leasing expenditure to 30 June 2024, for hydrogen related plant, equipment and technology
reasonably required for the Proposed Project.
Installation and commissioning costs for hydrogen related plant, equipment and technology required
for the Proposed Project.
Applicants are to provide eligible and ineligible costs in the Application and will be required to provide
supporting evidence, such as supplier quotations, to verify and confirm Proposed Project costs.
26 Renewable Hydrogen Fund Round 2
The following are deemed ineligible costs:
ongoing costs incurred after the project is completed (e.g. operating and maintenance costs)
retrospective payments or expenditure incurred prior to execution of a FAA
in-kind contributions and existing staff salaries
plant and equipment not directly related to the production, storage, utilisation and transport of
hydrogen
preliminary project investigations such as options analysis, market studies and early stage feasibility
studies
site acquisition costs such as purchase or site lease costs and site rehabilitation, land survey,
engineering or civil works costs
planning approvals and environmental licence application and approval costs, including impact
assessment studies
foregone profits or revenues due to the need to undertake modification or upgrades to existing
facilities for the project
legal and financing costs
grant application, monitoring and administration costs (including consultants working on these
engaged by the applicants)
marketing costs including promotion and advertising costs, education and information campaigns
compliance costs associated with environmental regulation and licence conditions contingency
allowances
What are the GST implications associated with applying for this Fund? Will the department pay an additional amount on top of the grant payment to account for GST?
Funding provided to recipients under the second round of the Fund is regarded as payment for a supply.
GST-registered grant recipients will therefore be required to add GST to the amount of funding awarded. If
registered for GST, recipients must provide a tax invoice for the GST inclusive value of the grant.
Applicants are encouraged to seek professional tax advice on the potential implications of obtaining
funding.
What happens if I am unable to complete an agreed upon Milestone deliverable on time?
The department may work with the Recipient to re-negotiate Project Milestones via a variation to the FAA.
In the event that a successful applicant is unable to expend the grant funding in line with the activities
identified in the FAA, the department reserves the right to request the unspent funding be either returned or
varied accordingly.
27 Renewable Hydrogen Fund Round 2
I have applied for the grant – how long will the assessment process take?
The assessment process will start immediately after applications close on 19 February 2021. It is
anticipated the assessment and approval process could take up to 14 weeks from this date.
How will I know if there are any changes made to the Guidelines?
Applicants are encouraged to visit the hydrogen landing page on the department’s website where the
department may publish answers to applicant’s questions as Frequently Asked Questions and/or any
amendments to the Guidelines. Those applicants who have registered on the SmartyGrants online
application program and commenced their application will be alerted to any document amendments as their
email will have been registered. Applicants who have submitted their application may request that the
application form is reopened prior to the closing date, to be updated if additional and pertinent information
is released by the department.
Helpful Recourses:
The Western Australian Renewable Hydrogen Strategy and Roadmap:
https://www.wa.gov.au/government/publications/western-australian-renewable-hydrogen-strategy-and-
roadmap
Western Australian Climate Change Policy:
https://www.wa.gov.au/service/environment/environment-information-services/western-australian-climate-
change-policy
Hydrogen Technologies International Standards:
https://www.iso.org/committee/54560/x/catalogue/