Update: Our final Agrisolar CRC bid step!

Since the Agrisolar CRC Bid Stage 2 proposal was submitted on the 9th October 2025, the Team has been busy preparing for the final milestone in the bid evaluation process: the interview with the CRC Advisory Committee evaluation panel. The interview was held in Canberra on the 26th November.

The interview team, comprising Ben, Diana, Julia, Peter, Chris, Karin, Rebecca and Stephan, put in a big effort to develop a common understanding of the many details of the proposal. On the day they spoke with their own voices, reflecting their individual experience and expertise. All contributed key information in response to the panel questions. The overall impression was of a tight, highly competent, diverse and committed team - a fabulous showcase.

Julia Tauber, our interim Agrisolar CRC CEO, reported that “the Canberra interview was an energising moment for the Agrisolar CRC team. The panel’s strong interest in agrisolar’s national importance was clear, and their questions allowed us to demonstrate both the depth of expertise across our consortium and the practical readiness of our proposed programs. It was also an excellent opportunity to showcase the breadth and depth of our incredible partners — your commitment and innovation are at the heart of this bid, and we are immensely proud to represent you. The discussion also helped surface areas where we can continue to refine our modelling and strengthen our narrative. Overall, it was a constructive, positive discussion that highlighted a committed, capable and collaborative team.”

Diana Eilert, the Agrisolar CRC Chairperson, commented that, “Our interview was the final step in our bid for funding, and so a point of huge expectation. The bid team worked hard to honour that work and carried the passion. We did our best on the day as a cohesive team, sharing and contributing to the project that we all believe will make a better Australia. Many people contributed to the foundations of that solid bid: Julia McKay, Liz and Kerry, Christine, Jess, and our business and university partners, as well as the modelling team, who had led and produced the tremendous work that underpinned our bid. Fingers crossed.”

Introducing our most recent Agrisolar CRC Partners

We are delighted to welcome Gentari Solar Australia Pty Ltd, EDP Australia Pty Ltd, Forster Aboriginal Land Council, Jala Jala Treats, Nextpower, and UMAX Energy.

Gentari develops and manages large-scale solar and energy storage solutions. As part of this Agrisolar CRC partnership, Gentari will provide coordinated access to an operational solar farm that already accommodates livestock grazing. Additionally, Gentari will supply access to subject matter experts to support research in areas such as animal welfare, wool growth, and weight gain.

EDP Australia Pty Ltd designs, develops and operates renewable electricity plants around the world. It has 32GWp of wind, solar and hydroelectric generators globally. For the Merino Solar Farm, EDP will provide the CRC with 115 hectares of arable land adjacent to and within the project for sodic soil restoration, soil improvement, and ultimately, indigenous food growing under solar panels.

The Forster Local Aboriginal Land Council in collaboration with indigenous-owned not-for-profit organisation Taree Indigenous Development and Enterprise (TIDE) will provide the CRC with privileged access to cultural capital and Aboriginal Land for research to address cultural, social license and other outcomes from the integration of solar technology on Country.

Jala Jala Treats is a 100% First Nations-female-owned business. In partnership with Volt Farmer, they will conduct regenerative bush tucker trials under solar arrays, scaling up successful cultivation methods in a full-scale production facility and visitor experience destination on Country.

Nextpower’s platform combines structural, electrical, and digital tools to help utility-scale power plants operate more efficiently and with long-term resilience. The NX Horizon tracker system’s independent rows, sensors, communications, and software give operators and landowners flexibility and control, including the ability to quickly stow modules for harvesting, maintenance, or grazing.

UMAX Energy provides integrated solutions that harness the power of renewable energy through innovative Building Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV) and their applications. Its objectives with the Agrisolar CRC are to make cost-effective and sustainable all-in-one power supply solutions, associate solar-powered energy storage for farming applications, and develop an intelligent battery-management system for smart energy efficiency.

Timeline going forward

Notification of the outcome of our bid should come during the first quarter of 2026. If successful, we will be engaging with all partners to position us for a speedy commencement of the Agrisolar CRC in the second half of 2026.

Wishing everyone a Happy Christmas and a relaxing summer break! 

The Agrisolar CRC Bid Team