The Capacity Investment Scheme (CIS) is the centrepiece of Australia's clean energy investment framework, providing revenue underwriting to accelerate investment in renewable energy and storage projects. For the first time, the Capacity Investment Scheme (CIS) will include First Nations equity participation and/or revenue sharing requirements. This dedicated set aside looks to create a direct link between government support and First Nations economic participation in Australia’s energy transition.
With bids into CIS Tender 9 closing on 20 July 2026, now is the time for First Nations communities and organisations to seize the opportunity the Set Aside creates. It is also important that proponents are aware of the First Nations Set Aside in CIS Tender 9 and of the benefits that follow from First Nations ownership and participation in projects.
View the Fact Sheet here
We were joined by a fantastic panel covering policy, developer, finance and community perspectives:
- Mike Masters (Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water) on the policy context for the CIS and why the First Nations Set Aside was introduced.
- Ernie Turner (ASL) on how bids are assessed against the tender qualification criteria.
- Gavin Brown (Wambal Bila) on Wambal Bila’s equity partnership journey with AMPYR Energy.
- Will Storey (AMPYR Energy) on the developer's perspective on engagement and partnership.
- Simone Jordan (Wollotuka Institute, Awabakal Land Council) on becoming negotiation ready as a community.
- Chris Croker (First Nations Clean Energy Network Steering Committee) on accessing capital and lessons from international jurisdictions.
- Greg Ellis (Indigenous Business Australia) on how IBA supports communities to assess and pursue investment opportunities.
Watch the Webinar Recording
Key takeaways
- Relationships are key, and starting them early gives communities and proponents the best chance of reaching a genuine partnership.
- Free, prior and informed consent depends on open, honest information-sharing throughout a project's life, not just at the start.
- You don't know what you don't know. Communities are encouraged to ask the hard questions of proponents, even if they feel new to this space.
- Equity is achievable. Wambal Bila’s partnership with AMPYR shows what's possible when trust and transparency are built from day one.
- Capital and advice gaps remain real barriers but a growing ecosystem of advisory grants and emerging concessional finance (and grant) options are there to help close them.
A few key points on the Set Aside
- A First Nations Set Aside now applies to both CIS Tender 9 (500MW within a 5GW renewable generation tender) and CIS Tender 10 (500MW/2GWh within a 4GW/16GWh dispatchable capacity tender), meaning equity and revenue-sharing opportunities now extend to battery and storage projects too.
- To qualify, proponents must commit to an equity and/or revenue-sharing arrangement equivalent to at least a 5% economic interest with eligible First Nations organisations.
- First Nations Clean Energy Advice Grants ($5,000–$80,000) are open now to help cover legal, financial, governance and commercial advice.
- Apply via business.gov.au.
If you have any queries related to the CIS, please don't hesitate to contact us at [email protected].