Four visionary renewable energy projects that could pay off for Australia

Sugarcane waste, drones, solar-powered alumina refining and strata-owned solar: which Arena R&D projects could make a big difference to Australia's energy sector?

Although there are numerous innovative projects seeking to improve the sustainability of Australia's energy sector, one of the main barriers to making them happen is - as with most things - money.

With the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (Arena) set to lose $1.3bn in unallocated funds, the agency has announced a raft of grants for green projects, including $17m for nine research and development projects that "have a pathway to being fully commercial" through industry partners.