Eight projects to boost cross-industry innovation, collaboration and sustainability in the resources sector will share in $2.1 million of government funding.

The funding is provided through the National Energy Resources Australia (NERA), the government’s Oil, Gas and Energy Resources Growth Centre, through a competitive matched funding program.

The funded projects include one to establish a Perth-based innovation cluster that will develop new subsea (underwater) products and services, including maintenance and repair services, for the offshore oil and gas industry in Australia and Asia.

Minister for Jobs and Innovation Michaelia Cash said the projects will leverage a further $2.4 million from industry partners.

“The Turnbull Government is committed to working with industry for a sustainable, innovative and world-leading resources sector,” Minister Cash said.

“Australian companies and research institutes have developed specialised knowledge and skills making them industry leaders in this area. Projects like the subsea innovation cluster are examples of Australian technology and service providers moving to an international level.”

Minister for Resources and Northern Australia Matt Canavan said the successful projects would deliver national benefits.

“The eight successful projects were chosen from over 80 applications because of their commitment to sustainability, efficiency and diversity in the resources sector,” Minister Canavan said.

“These collaborative projects combine technology and new business models to create value and commercialisation opportunities.”

NERA is one of six industry-led Growth Centres established under the Australian Government’s Industry Growth Centres Initiative.

With base funding from the Australian Government, NERA works with energy resources companies, their supply chains, research and innovation partners and with governments, sharing a vision to drive the sector forward.

• Further information about the NERA Project Fund recipients is available at www.nera.org.au
• Further information about the Industry Growth Centres Initiative is available at www.industry.gov.au/growthcentres