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title: "Funding opportunity: the Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels - Renewables Environmental Research Initiative (ACAP-RERI)"
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# Funding opportunity: the Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels - Renewables Environmental Research Initiative (ACAP-RERI)

![wind turbines north sea](https://www.acap.aq/images/stories/acap/wind_turbines_north_sea.jpg)   
*An offshore wind farm*

 The Renewables Environmental Research Initiative ([RERI](https://www.dcceew.gov.au/environment/epbc/advice/renewable-energy-projects/reri)) is an Australian Government programme to support a more efficient transition to onshore and offshore renewable energy while protecting biodiversity.  As part of this initiative, the Australian Government (through the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water) is partnering with ACAP to understand better the potential long-term impacts of offshore wind farms on albatrosses, petrels and other procellariiform species.

 Wind power is a key source of new electricity generation and part of the renewable energy transition.  Despite significant growth in offshore wind farm developments, there remain substantial knowledge gaps regarding how these developments affect southern hemisphere seabirds, particularly albatrosses and petrels and other procellariiform species.  To mitigate and manage effectively any potential impacts on such species associated with offshore wind farms, robust decision-making grounded in rigorous scientific knowledge and data is needed.

 The Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels - Renewables Environmental Research Initiative ([ACAP-RERI](https://www.acap.aq/news/awards-grants-and-scholarships/acap-reri-initiative)) will be delivered by an AUS$2.5 million four-year competitive granting process and will be completed on or before 30 June 2030.  It will deliver a suite of targeted research projects to provide new and better environmental information on albatrosses, petrels and other procellariiform species most vulnerable to the impacts of offshore wind farms.  The projects will draw on lessons learned from around the world and will inform regulatory guidance, including the assessment and approval of offshore wind farms under Australia's *Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999*(Cth) ([EPBC Act](https://www.legislation.gov.au/C2004A00485/latest/versions)).

 To achieve these aims, ACAP-RERI will focus on the following research themes:

 
- Improve understanding of the size, structure and population trends of albatrosses, petrels and other procellariiform species breeding and/or foraging in Australia's jurisdiction.
- Improve understanding of the potential impacts to albatrosses, petrels and other procellariiform species from offshore wind farms.
- Support the management of potential impacts to albatrosses, petrels and other procellariiform species from offshore wind farms.
- Translate findings from the ACAP-RERI into targeted, accessible formats to support evidence-based decision-making.

 **Notification of Intent (NOI) to apply**

 Prospective applicants are invited to submit a [Notification of Intent (NOI) form](https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/hZ2Xx5T65H).

 An NOI is a brief, preliminary submission that signals intention to submit a full application.  While not a full proposal, the NOI allows us to plan the review process and ensure appropriate expertise is available for assessing applications.

 While it is encouraged, submission of an NOI is optional:

 
- An NOI is not required in order to apply for a research grant when the official application opens.
- Submission of an NOI does not commit an applicant to submitting a full application.
- The NOI form will remain open until the formal application process opens.

 **How to submit:**

 Complete the [Notification of Intent form](https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/hZ2Xx5T65H).

 Further information on the formal application process will be provided in September 2026.

 For questions about the NOI process or eligibility, please contact the ACAP Secretariat at [acap-reri-info@acapsecretariat.org](mailto:acap-reri-info@acapsecretariat.org).

 *ACAP Secretariat, 26 August 2026*