Made in WA Energy Affordability Investment Program
Western Australian manufacturers looking to reduce energy costs, improve production efficiency and invest in advanced manufacturing technologies may be eligible for financial support through the Made in WA Energy Affordability Investment Program (MEAIP).
The $153.3 million initiative provides low-interest loans to eligible manufacturers operating in Western Australia. By supporting investments in energy efficiency, renewable energy, energy storage and advanced manufacturing, the program aims to strengthen local manufacturing capabilities and improve business competitiveness.
Applications opened on 27 October 2026 and close at 5 pm AWST on 23 February 2027.
Here is what WA manufacturers need to know about the program, its two funding streams, eligibility requirements and application process.
What Is the Made in WA Energy Affordability Investment Program?
The Made in WA Energy Affordability Investment Program is a Western Australian Government initiative designed to help local manufacturers manage energy costs while investing in their operations.
Manufacturing plays an important role in WA’s economy, supporting employment, regional communities and resilient supply chains. However, energy costs and the need to modernise production equipment can create challenges for businesses seeking to remain competitive.
MEAIP addresses these challenges by offering low-interest loans for eligible projects that improve energy efficiency or combine energy efficiency investments with advanced manufacturing improvements.
The program has been developed following industry consultation, including feedback gathered through an industry survey, to ensure its funding model and eligibility requirements respond to the needs of local manufacturers.
What Are the Two Funding Streams Under MEAIP?
Manufacturers can apply under one of two funding streams, depending on the objectives and scope of their proposed project.
Stream 1: Energy Efficiency
Stream 1 supports projects that deliver measurable improvements in energy efficiency or energy cost competitiveness.
Businesses considering investments to reduce energy consumption, improve energy management or lower operating costs may be suitable for this stream.
Eligible project activities may include:
- Renewable energy generation and energy storage
- Energy-efficient equipment and electrification
- Energy management and control systems
- Building and facility upgrades
- Lower-cost energy use and load shifting
- Electrical infrastructure and network connection works
For example, a manufacturing business planning to install renewable energy generation and storage, upgrade energy-intensive equipment or improve its facility’s energy management may consider applying under this stream.
The proposed project must demonstrate measurable energy efficiency improvements or energy cost competitiveness.
Stream 2: Energy Efficiency and Advanced Manufacturing
Stream 2 is designed for projects that combine energy efficiency investment with advanced manufacturing improvements.
Applicants must demonstrate both an energy cost competitiveness benefit and improvements to manufacturing capability, capacity or productivity.
Eligible advanced manufacturing activities may include:
- Automation, robotics and smart equipment
- Advanced fabrication and additive manufacturing
- Precision machining and advanced processing equipment
- Digital manufacturing systems
- Project implementation and technical costs
The energy efficiency component can include renewable energy generation and storage, electrification, energy management systems, facility upgrades, load shifting and electrical infrastructure works.
This stream may suit manufacturers planning to modernise production processes while also addressing energy costs.
The key distinction: Stream 1 focuses on energy efficiency improvements, while Stream 2 requires an integrated investment in energy efficiency and advanced manufacturing.
Applicants can submit only one application to MEAIP, so selecting the appropriate stream is an important consideration before preparing an application.
Which Manufacturing Sectors Can Apply?
MEAIP is available to eligible manufacturers operating in Western Australia within, or supplying manufactured products to, one or more of the program’s target sectors.
These include:
- Clean energy manufacturing
- Critical minerals manufacturing
- Defence and space industries manufacturing
- Food and beverage manufacturing
- Health and medical life sciences manufacturing
Businesses must actively operate a commercial-scale manufacturing operation in WA and meet the relevant target sector requirements outlined in the program guidelines.
Being located in Western Australia alone does not automatically make a business eligible.
How Much Funding Can Manufacturers Receive?
The program offers loans ranging from $300,000 to $15 million, depending on the applicant’s annual revenue and business category.
The WA Government can fund up to 80% of eligible project costs. Applicants must contribute the remaining 20% or more using their own funds. This contribution must be committed and available before, or at the time of, the first loan drawdown.
Loan amounts by business category
The funding amounts are divided into two business categories:
- Category 1: Businesses with annual revenue of $10 million or less can apply for loans ranging from $300,000 to $2 million.
- Category 2: Businesses with annual revenue above $10 million can apply for loans of more than $2 million and up to $15 million.
Applicants should refer to the program guidelines to determine the appropriate business category and confirm the applicable funding requirements.
Understanding the minimum project investment
The minimum loan is $300,000, and the program can fund up to 80% of eligible project expenditure.
This means the minimum eligible project expenditure associated with a $300,000 loan is $375,000.
The applicant must contribute at least $75,000 towards the project.
What Are the Loan Terms and Interest Rates?
One of the key features of MEAIP is its fixed 3% interest rate for all program loans.
The maximum loan term is 7 years, including the repayment-free period.
Both business categories receive an initial 12-month repayment-free period, during which principal and interest repayments are not required.
This initial period may provide businesses with additional time to implement their projects before repayments begin.
However, applicants should carefully review the program guidelines for further information about loan drawdowns, loan serviceability, security requirements and end-of-term obligations.
Who Is Eligible to Apply for MEAIP?
Applicants must meet all the eligibility requirements specified in the program guidelines.
Generally, eligible applicants must:
- Be a legal entity with an ABN, ACN or ICN.
- Be registered for GST.
- Be solvent and demonstrate the capacity to service and repay the loan.
- Actively operate a commercial-scale manufacturing operation in WA within an eligible target sector.
- Have no outstanding ATO debts or unpaid superannuation obligations.
- Have the legal right to undertake the proposed project at the nominated premises.
- Hold, or demonstrate a credible pathway to obtaining, the necessary licences, permits and approvals.
- Provide security acceptable to the State.
- Be capable of entering into a legally binding Deed of Loan with the Minister.
- Demonstrate that the project is financially viable and can be completed within the proposed timeframe.
- Submit a complete application with all required supporting documents by the closing date.
Applicants must also disclose other government funding, rebates, incentives or financial support received, applied for or expected for the same project expenditure.
This includes Commonwealth renewable energy incentives incorporated into the project budget, supplier quote or business case.
Who cannot apply?
The program excludes certain applicants, including:
- Individuals, charities and not-for-profit organisations applying as the sole or lead applicant, except Aboriginal businesses.
- Government entities, including local governments, statutory authorities, State and Commonwealth agencies and government trading enterprises.
- Businesses proposing to sell, or actively seeking to sell, their business during the project period.
Applicants should review the complete guidelines to confirm their eligibility before proceeding.
How to Apply for the Made in WA Energy Affordability Investment Program
Applications for the Made in WA Energy Affordability Investment Program (MEAIP) must be submitted online through the SmartyGrants portal.
Before applying, manufacturers should carefully review the Program Guidelines and preview the application form to understand the eligibility criteria, funding conditions and documentation requirements.
Applicants should also:
- Determine whether Stream 1 (Energy Efficiency) or Stream 2 (Energy Efficiency and Advanced Manufacturing) best aligns with the proposed project.
- Confirm that the business meets all program eligibility requirements.
- Assess the eligible project costs and ensure that at least 20% of the project costs can be contributed from the applicant’s own funds.
- Ensure the proposed project is financially viable and can be completed within the proposed timeframe.
- Declare any other government funding, grants, rebates, incentives or financial support received, applied for or expected for the same project expenditure, including relevant Commonwealth renewable energy incentives.
- Prepare the required information and supporting documentation in accordance with the Program Guidelines.
Completed applications must be submitted through SmartyGrants by 23 February 2027, 5 pm AWST. Applications submitted by email, post or any other method will not be accepted. Late applications will not be considered.
Is the Made in WA Energy Affordability Investment Program Worth Considering?
For eligible Western Australian manufacturers, MEAIP presents an opportunity to invest in energy efficiency and production improvements through government-supported low-interest financing.
Businesses planning renewable energy installations, energy storage projects, equipment upgrades or manufacturing modernisation may benefit from assessing whether their investment aligns with the program’s objectives.
The most suitable funding stream will depend on whether the proposed project focuses on energy efficiency alone or integrates energy efficiency with advanced manufacturing improvements.
Careful project planning, financial assessment and a thorough understanding of the eligibility requirements will be important when preparing an application.
For further information about the program and how it supports Western Australian manufacturers, visit the official WA Government MEAIP program details page before applying.
Closing Thoughts on the Made in WA Energy Affordability Investment Program
The Made in WA Energy Affordability Investment Program is designed to support manufacturing businesses seeking to improve energy efficiency, strengthen production capabilities and enhance their competitiveness.
Manufacturers considering an eligible investment should review the program requirements, assess their project funding needs and prepare the necessary documentation before submitting an application.
For complete eligibility conditions, funding requirements and application instructions, refer to the official WA Government program information and guidelines.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Made in WA Energy Affordability Investment Program?
MEAIP is a $153.3 million WA Government initiative providing low-interest loans to eligible local manufacturers for energy efficiency and advanced manufacturing investments.
What is the interest rate under MEAIP?
The program offers a 3% interest rate for all loans.
What is the maximum loan available?
Eligible manufacturers can apply for loans of up to $15 million, subject to their business category and program requirements.
Does MEAIP provide grants or loans?
MEAIP provides low-interest loans rather than grants. Applicants must demonstrate their ability to service and repay the loan.
Can a business apply under both funding streams?
No. Applicants may submit only one application to MEAIP and should select the funding stream that best aligns with their proposed project.
When do MEAIP applications close?
Applications close at 5 pm AWST on 23 February 2027.