Australia adds $150 million to SME clean‑energy finance program

The Australian government announced an additional $150 million in discounted finance for its ANZ Energy Efficient Asset Finance Program. The funding, provided through a partnership between ANZ Bank and the Clean Energy Finance Corporation (CEFC), adds a 0.4 per cent annual interest discount from each partner, giving eligible small and medium‑sized enterprises a total discount of 0.8 per cent per year.

The programme supports purchases of rooftop solar, battery storage, electric vehicles, energy‑efficient industrial machinery and recycling equipment. Since its launch in 2017, it has delivered more than $444 million in finance to over 1,600 Australian businesses, with $90 million provided in the most recent financial year. Victoria‑based family food producer Lago Smallgoods used the scheme to upgrade its production line, reporting a 30 per cent rise in capacity and a 20 per cent reduction in costs.

Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen said the new funding removes the upfront cost barrier for businesses seeking to lower energy bills, while Small Business Minister Anne Aly highlighted the initiative’s role in boosting competitiveness and economic growth.