Congratulations to Ruby Heard, one of the First Nations Clean Energy Network’s fabulous steering group members, on being appointed as a board member of the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA).

Ruby was by appointed to the position by the Minister for Climate Change and Energy, the Honorary Chris Bowen MP on 26 July 2024.

She is a descendent of the Jaru people of the Kimberley, and an electrical engineer and founding director of Alinga Energy Consulting, providing energy research services with a focus on affordable and sustainable off-grid systems to improve the livelihoods for First Nations communities.

ARENA’s Board has overall responsibility for the operations of the agency. It is a skills-based decision-making body, responsible for recommending the Agency’s annual general funding strategy to the Minister, setting investment priorities, overseeing the running of the organisation and approving project funding.

ARENA has responsibility for funding, among other things, the Regional Microgrids Program, with $125 million in funding allocated to develop and deploy microgrid technologies across regional and remote communities.

The Program also allocates $75 million for microgrid projects in First Nations communities. The First Nations Community Microgrids Stream aims to deliver cleaner, cheaper and more reliable energy and empower First Nations communities to participate in their electricity supply arrangements and the development of energy infrastructure.

ARENA CEO Darren Miller says “the ARENA board is gaining some incredible talent.”

“ARENA is committed to ensuring First Nations People are at the forefront of the energy transition and Ms Heard’s work as Director of Alinga Energy Consulting and on the Steering Committee of the First Nations Clean Energy Network will provide an invaluable perspective for our work.”

This is an excerpt from a story first published by ARENA here.