ESG Rebates for Corporate Investors 2026

As of 2026, Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) rebates and incentives for corporate investors in Australia are heavily focused on decarbonisation, energy efficiency, and renewable technology adoption. The landscape is a mix of federal, nationwide schemes and specific state-based programs aimed at small-to-medium enterprises (SMEs) and larger industrial players. To explore how your organisation can best capitalise on these incentives, connect with our ESG team.

Key ESG rebates and incentives available for corporate investors across Australia:

1. Nationwide Federal Incentives (All States)

• Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES): Available nationwide, this scheme provides Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs) for commercial solar systems up to 100 kW. It functions as an upfront discount, reducing installation costs by thousands. 
• New Federal Battery Rebate (from mid-2025): A ~30% discount on the upfront cost of installing eligible small-scale batteries (up to 50 kWh) for businesses, available through the SRES. 
• Energy Efficiency Grants for SMEs: Grants of up to $25,000 to cover 100% of eligible costs for energy-efficient equipment (e.g., HVAC upgrades, high-efficiency refrigeration). (Grant currently closed to applications). 
• Clean Energy Finance Corporation (CEFC): Provides investment and financing for renewable energy, low-emission technologies, and energy-efficient projects, having invested over $7 billion. 
• R&D Tax Incentive: A tax offset to encourage investment in research and development, particularly for, but not limited to, green technology. 
• Future Made in Australia (Production Tax Credits): From 2027, refundable tax offsets for green hydrogen ($2/kg) and critical minerals (10% of processing costs). 
• Instant Asset Write-off (Extended to June 2025): Small businesses can immediately deduct assets costing less than $20,000, which can be applied to energy-efficient equipment.

2. State and Territory Specific Incentives ·

• ACT: The Sustainable Business Program provides rebates of up to $10,000 for energy efficiency upgrades, including heating, lighting, and refrigeration.
• NSW: The Energy Security Corporation co-invests in renewable energy projects (storage, virtual power plants). The Peak Demand Reduction Scheme (PDRS) offers rebates for batteries.
• WA: The Clean Energy Future Fund provides grants of $100,000 to $4 million (up to 25% of costs) for high-emissions reduction projects, with rounds running through 2026.
• Adelaide (SA): The Sustainability Incentives Scheme offers rebates for solar PV, battery storage, and EV charging.
• General: Various states offer incentives for replacing gas appliances with electric, upgrading lighting to LED, and implementing energy management systems.

3. Key 2026 Trends and Strategic Advice

• Stacking Rebates: In 2026, the most effective strategy is stacking federal STCs, new battery rebates, and state-specific grants.
• Battery Focus: As solar feed-in tariffs drop, 2026 incentives are shifting towards rewarding commercial batteries, demand management, and self-consumption.
• Declining Value: The STC factor (value of solar rebates) is set to drop in January 2026 and again in May 2026, making earlier investment in 2026 more lucrative.

It is recommended to check the specific, up-to-date availability in your state as grants are often demand-driven and can close early.

Contact:

Jenine Cranston

Partner, Head of ESG

+61 2 9036 6720