Significant renewable energy resources will be needed to power Australia’s energy transition, all of which need consent from Traditional Owners.

Following the success of its inaugural program in 2023, the First Nations Clean Energy Network is today beginning its second clean energy capacity building program for First Nations people from every state and territory.

The only program of its kind in Australia, the training provides an in-depth overview of the clean energy landscape, its policy, regulations and investment, and the intersection with First Nations rights and interests in land and Sea Country.

While 3.8 million households in Australia now have access to rooftop solar, next to none are on First Nations homes.

A key feature of the PowerMakers program is looking at the opportunities for building energy security and affordability through First Nations-led development, leadership and ownership of clean energy futures.

From home energy efficiency to community-led development like the Marlinja community’s recent microgrid installation in the Northern Territory, PowerMakers refocuses the lens on what’s possible in homes, communities and on Country.

PowerMakers will also explore what does First Nations design, ownership and control of energy futures look like, and how to overcome the many barriers to ensure First Nations have just and equitable participation in Australia’s energy transition.

PowerMakers also widens the lens, building capacity to negotiate well for strong agreements with the many proponents wanting access to First Nations land for the renewable energy build-out needed, including entering strong partnerships with proponents with benefit-sharing and equity.

There are now 18 First Nations clean energy equity partnerships in Australia with more on the drawing board. 

It’s a very small percentage when compared to Canada.

There, around 20% of renewable energy initiatives have Indigenous ownership and/or equity, providing income, wealth generation and employment for Canada’s Inuit, Métis and First Nations peoples. 

These projects reduce risk and deliver better value and returns to investors. 

Targeted government policy and genuine investment enabled that to occur. As did capacity building of First Nations communities to realise the potential. 

Based on a Canadian program designed by Indigenous Clean Energy in Canada, the Network’s PowerMakers program aims to make sure First Nations people and communities are powerful enough for their aspirations for economic self determination to be at the centre, and for the renewables revolution to be powered by First Nations, on their terms.

Today, 37 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander emerging leaders selected from over 100 applicants are in Fremantle to attend the week-long intensive. 

Facilitators and guest speakers from First Nations groups, universities, the clean energy industry, government, the legal industry, and even Canada, will be providing powerful content throughout the week.

The PowerMakers program aims to equip participants with the knowledge, skills and resources needed to emerge as leaders in the clean energy transition, capable of successfully advancing clean energy projects and driving positive change in communities.

The only one of its kind in Australia, the program aims to ensure the country does this transition right, and starts with building the capability of First Nations communities.

Changing the expectations of industry,  and encouraging government to invest in the right frameworks, incentives and system design, goes hand-in-hand.

The calibre of this year’s PowerMakers cohort illustrates the level of leadership and commitment First Nations communities have about clean energy and their determination to ensure First Nations people are leading the transition towards First Nations ownership and economic development.

This article by Karrina Nolan, co-Chair of the First Nations Clean Energy Network was first published in Renew Economy