Request for Quote: Annual progress review of the Alternative Energy Roadmap

⁠⁠⁠Australian agriculture, fisheries and forestry are entering a period of profound energy transition, driven by global market expectations, economic pressures and the increasing risks associated with continued reliance on fossil fuels. Energy is a major cost input across the sector, with producers and processors heavily dependent on diesel, which in 2023–24 accounted for more than 90 per cent of on‑farm energy consumption (DCCEEW, 2025). This reliance exposes businesses to energy price volatility, supply chain disruption and geopolitical risk. At the same time, domestic and international markets are demanding demonstrable reductions in emissions intensity, making the transition to low‑emissions and sustainable energy systems critical to maintaining market access, competitiveness and investor confidence.

Australia’s agriculture, fisheries and forestry sectors are highly diverse and deeply interconnected with regional communities, supply chains, land‑use systems and energy infrastructure. This complexity makes the transition away from diesel particularly challenging and underscores the need for coordinated, sector‑wide planning and action to support a resilient and affordable energy future.

In response to these challenges, AgriFutures Australia commissioned the Alternative Energy Transition Model in 2024, culminating in the Australian Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Sector Energy Transition Roadmap. Developed through extensive research, consultation and co‑design, the Roadmap provides a national framework for energy transition, supporting the sector’s shift to low‑emissions, affordable and resilient energy systems. It positions industry as an active partner in the clean energy transition, working collaboratively with energy providers, technology developers and governments to shape practical solutions that meet industry needs.

The Energy Transition Roadmap identifies more than 100 actions across ten key themes and requires coordinated effort from four stakeholder groups: industry participants; energy system and technology suppliers; governments and system enablers; and the research sector, including RDCs.

To ensure progress remains aligned with the Roadmap’s objectives and responsive to a rapidly evolving operating environment, AgriFutures Australia is seeking a suitably qualified service provider to undertake annual reviews of progress against the Energy Transition Roadmap. These reviews will provide evidence‑based policy analysis and stakeholder engagement, identify achievements, gaps, emerging risks and opportunities, and inform future investment priorities, policy engagement and industry support.

Objectives

This project will achieve the following key objectives:

1. To measure the progress of industry against the goals and actions outlined in the document: Australian Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Sector Energy Transition Roadmap (2026-2035).
2. Through the provision of recommendations and advice to AgriFutures, assist the industry in its energy transition.

Service requirements

The service provider will be required to report on the progress of the Australian Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Sector towards energy transition, as set out in the Roadmap, at two distinct points in time- February 2027 and February 2028. These points in time are designed to provide a ‘one year on’ and ‘two years on’ summary of progress.

• Literature review: a targeted review to identify any emergent relevant documentation (e.g. reports, policy documents, industry publications, media releases).
• Stakeholder engagement: to capture details on ongoing programs and activities relevant to the transition that are not otherwise available it will likely be necessary to plan and conduct targeted engagements such as meetings, interviews and email communications with stakeholders within the four stakeholder groups.
• Detailed report: including noting progress against all goals and actions in the report, providing an overview of significant industry milestones or occurrences and identification of new opportunities.

Terms of reference

AgriFutures Australia uses standard form contracts and agreements for projects and research procured by AgriFutures Australia. These contracts and agreements set out the terms on which AgriFutures Australia will engage successful applicants to carry out the project.

Applicants must be familiar with the contracts and agreements before submitting a response and are advised to seek legal advice beforehand.

These contracts and agreements have been developed to reflect AgriFutures Australia’s statutory and other procurement responsibilities.

If you require any amendments to the standard agreement, please complete the statement of non-compliance for each of the relevant clause. AgriFutures will then assess those requests.

Applicants will be taken to have agreed to all clauses in the Research Agreement that are not referred to in a statement of non-compliance. The extent of any non-compliance will be a factor in AgriFutures Australia’s evaluation of the application.

If you require further information regarding these contracts and agreements please, contact:

Stephanie-Kate Bratton

Legal Counsel, AgriFutures Australia

stephanie-kate.bratton@agrifutures.com.au

Contact

If you have any questions about the RFQ process, please contact:

Noella Powell

Manager, Rural Futures

Noella.powell@agrifutures.com.au