Our First Nations PowerMakers program is an intensive clean energy capacity-building initiative.
PowerMakers© is a transformative program designed to empower First Nations people to drive First Nations participation in and ownership of clean energy solutions in our communities and on Country.
Our goal is to equip First Nations participants with the necessary knowledge, skills, and resources to spearhead clean energy initiatives and make a positive impact both within their communities while also taking First Nations leadership of the clean energy transition in Australia to the next level.
Program Overview
PowerMakers is a 5-day immersive experience dedicated to providing practical and applied learning in renewable energy, including project ownership and negotiation, community energy planning, business management, and advanced energy systems.
During this program, participants have the opportunity to engage with industry experts, passionate mentors, and like-minded peers. The curriculum combines theory with real-world applications, enabling participants to become leaders in the clean energy transition and progress clean energy projects successfully.
Over the five days, we explore community energy landscapes, delve into energy engagement, planning, and the practical steps to bring renewable energy projects to life.
Participants also learn about maximising benefits for community, building strong partnerships, mastering negotiation tools, and mapping out project financing with equity in mind. We also dive into effective lobbying techniques that can make a real impact.
Background
We delivered our inaugural PowerMakers program in 2023 in collaboration with our Canadian kin, Indigenous Clean Energy (ICE).
Similar to the First Nations Clean Energy Network, Canada’s Indigenous Clean Energy is a network of Indigenous leaders, clean energy experts, partners, and a dedicated team coming together to drive clean energy solutions for people and communities.
Canada’s Indigenous communities began seeking clean energy sovereignty and the development of community-led projects over 20 years ago. The vast potential of Indigenous participation in clean energy projects began to be acknowledged by government and organisations, utilities, and renewable energy companies alike.
Since then, First Nations, Métis and Inuit communities of Turtle Island (also what is known as Canada) have built on their rights and sovereignty to become some of the most powerful clean energy change agents in the country. They have developed, and own or co-own, hundreds of major renewable energy projects, and thousands of smaller, community based installations.
As the national platform for this First Peoples leadership, ICE has been sharing the clean energy experiences of Indigenous peoples in Canada. Part of this experience includes ICE’s intensive Indigenous clean energy capacity-building program, 20/20 Catalyst, which ICE has delivered over the past eight years and which has produced over 140 clean energy leaders.
In the last decade alone, this First Nations leadership in Canada has fostered 200 medium to large renewable energy projects which have helped to generate $1.5 billion in Indigenous business and employment contracts.
Our Relationship
Though we dwell on different continents, our homes in northern and southern ecosystems, we, the First Nations Clean Energy Network and Indigenous Clean Energy have forged a bond.
A union to walk together on a journey to strengthen our collective capacity to catalyse Indigenous clean energy opportunities that embody and advance a Just Transition that is: respectful of the rights of Original Peoples; economically inclusive for a fairer society; and which accelerates clean energy projects that help address climate change.
Reasons to Attend PowerMakers
Deepen your knowledge of clean energy and project development
- Gain an understanding of clean energy technologies, project development, and the Australian energy landscape.
- Learn how to bring clean energy projects to life, from concept to completion.
Grow as a leader
- Understand the risks and opportunities of clean energy project ownership and develop leadership skills.
- Develop the skills to own and drive clean energy initiatives.
Build powerful partnerships to maximise community benefits
- Learn the essentials of effective negotiations and partnerships, providing yourself with the tools needed to secure the best outcomes for community.
Master the financial side of clean energy projects
- Understand the financing and equity structures that fund clean energy projects that deliver long term benefits.
Develop skills for community energy planning and impact
- Get involved in community energy planning and shape a vision for a renewable energy future that benefits your community and Country.
Change making and advocacy
- Gain tools and strategies for effective advocacy, influencing policy and making change to ensure our communities are part of the transition to renewables.
Participants joining PowerMakers will be stepping into a program designed to empower you with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to lead the way in clean energy.
PowerMakers Facilitators
Facilitators include:
- First Nations leaders from the First Nations Clean Energy Network
- First Nations leaders from Canada’s Indigenous Clean Energy (ICE)
- First Nations leaders from PowerMakers 2023
- Renewable energy and community energy planning specialists from Original Power
- First Nations clean energy leaders from around Australia
- Industry leaders
- Finance leaders
- Researchers and academics
Want to join the next PowerMakers program?
Please become a Member of the First Nations Clean Energy Network. Only First Nations Members of the First Nations Clean Energy Network are invited to submit an expression of interest to be considered for participation in our next PowerMakers program.
Become a PowerMakers mentor
The First Nations Clean Energy Network Mentor Program connects First Nations people who have completed our PowerMakers capacity building program with First Nations and industry leaders and experts in the clean energy space.
The mentoring program includes one-on-one and small group contact with PowerMakers to support their clean energy aspirations in Australia’s clean energy transition.
Apply here