A new Capacity Investment Scheme tender invitation is out, with significant First Nations engagement and commitments required of clean energy proponents bidding for projects.
The Capacity Investment Scheme (CIS) is a key policy mechanism being deployed by the federal government to encourage new investment in renewable energy including wind, solar and battery storage through a competitive tender process every six months.
In their briefing note on the latest tender round (3), the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) emphasises First Nations peoples are important partners in Australia's clean energy transformation.
As such, in this tender AEMO's assessment of proponent’s bids will include:
- consideration of the Proponent’s approach to engagement strategies and understanding of Traditional Owners and First Nations groups
- evidence of respectful and productive engagement with First Nations communities, and for First Nations communities to be afforded genuine social and economic opportunities and partnerships
- consideration of the Proponent’s commitments to First Nations outcomes. Examples of commitments include opportunities for equity and revenue sharing and energy off-take agreement models for First Nations communities.
AEMO suggests proponents should consider applying Leading Practice Principles for engaging with Australia’s First Nations peoples on renewable energy projects.
The Principles are originally set out by the First Nations Clean Energy Network in consultation with our members:
- Engage respectfully
- Prioritise clear, accessible and accurate information
- Ensure cultural heritage is preserved and protected
- Protect Country and environment
- Be a good neighbour
- Ensure economic benefits are shared
- Provide social benefits for community
- Embed land stewardship
- Ensure cultural competency
- Implement, monitor and report back
First Nations groups and communities can get ahead of this process by developing protocols for engagement and doing community mapping and renewable energy planning.
Examples of First Nations groups doing this include Nari Nari Tribal Council with their protocols for engagement with proponents, Gunaikurnai Land and Waters Aboriginal Corporation with their Renewable Energy Strategy, and Yamatji Southern Regional Corporation with their Investment Prospectus.
Image of Shoalhaven supplied by Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) to pv magazine Australia.