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Energus Secures $1.3M ARENA Grant for Solar-Grade Polysilicon Study at Hunter Energy Hub

Sydney, 6 August 2025

Energus is proud to announce that it has received $1.3 million in funding from the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) as part of the Solar Sunshot Program, aimed at boosting local solar PV manufacturing capability across Australia.

The funding will support a feasibility study for a 50,000 tonne per annum (tpa) low-emissions, solar-grade polysilicon production facility, to be located within AGL Hunter Energy Hub in New South Wales. This study will assess the technical, commercial, and environmental viability of producing high-purity polysilicon, one of the most critical materials in the solar supply chain – onshore in Australia.

Strengthening Australia’s Solar Supply Chain

The Energus feasibility study is part of ARENA’s broader $45.5 million investment under the Solar Sunshot initiative, which is designed to accelerate local manufacturing of solar components and strengthen energy sovereignty. Read more about the program here: ARENA Official Announcement.

Polysilicon is currently almost entirely imported into Australia, and this project represents a potential turning point in building domestic capacity. If successful, the proposed facility would:

• Produce up to 50,000 tpa of low-emissions solar-grade polysilicon

• Reduce reliance on overseas supply chains

• Enable end-to-end solar manufacturing integration within Australia

• Support long-term emissions reduction and ESG compliance across the solar value chain

The polysilicon facility at the Hunter Energy Hub represents a strategic opportunity to anchor a critical link in the solar supply chain, and Energus is proud to be at the table.

AGL Hunter Energy Hub: A Catalyst for Green Industrial Innovation

AGL Hunter Energy Hub is transforming the site of the former Liddell Power Station into a next-generation energy precinct focused on low-carbon technologies. The precinct will co-locate clean energy infrastructure such as:

• Grid-scale battery storage

• Green hydrogen production

• Renewable generation

• Circular economy manufacturing (e.g. panel recycling, cable manufacturing)

By situating the polysilicon facility within this ecosystem, Energus aims to leverage shared infrastructure and logistics, enabling greater efficiency, lower carbon intensity, and broader regional economic development.