ARENA, Australia’s renewable energy agency, has allocated AUD 34.5 million (~ $22.43 million) to Tindo, an Australia-based solar module manufacturer, under the AUD 1 billion Solar Sunshot Program. According to ARENA, the funding will upgrade Tindo’s Mawson Lakes facility, which is set to raise annual PV module capacity from 20 MW to 180 MW. The upgrade will introduce advanced automation and enable the production of n-type modules, alongside a feasibility study for a proposed 1 GW solar panel gigafactory. Tindo has said the project is expected to create over 50 direct jobs and support local suppliers through recruitment and training programs. ARENA has also provided AUD 11 million (~ $7.15 million) for feasibility studies, granting AUD 5 million (~ $3.25 million) to Solquartz, AUD 1.3 million (~ $0.85 million) to Energus, and AUD 4.7 million (~ $3.06 million) to Stellar PV for upstream polysilicon, ingot, and wafer production facilities in Townsville and the Hunter Energy Hub. Previously, Tindo and UNSW have tested TRaCE-backed TOPCon solar technology in Australia.