A new federal grant will provide $1 to $10 million to up to two First Nations clean energy projects, in a pilot designed to bridge the funding gap for mid-size community renewables initiatives.

The First Nations Clean Energy Projects grants will help up to two clean energy projects sized at 1 megawatt (MW) or higher to move beyond feasibility and towards financial close.

“That was a recommendation of the First Nations Clean Energy and Climate Change Advisory Committee, and it’s great to see that put into place,” says Matt Brine, deputy secretary of the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW), and reported by Renew Economy.

“The pilot grants aim to support projects with First Nations leadership, decision-making participation, and the potential to generate long-term financial returns for First Nations people.

“Hopefully, we see more coming down the track soon." 

The pilot, which energy minister Chris Bowen heralded at the First Nations Clean Energy Symposium in Geelong, gives organisations until 28 September 2026 to get their applications in. 

Learn more about the First Nations Clean Energy Projects grants

This excerpt is from an article first published in Renew Economy