Australia is undergoing one of the largest infrastructure and energy transitions in its history. Renewable energy generation, storage and transmission projects are being developed at a scale that will shape communities for generations, with many projects located on First Nations Country.

The Capacity Investment Scheme (CIS) is the Australian Government's flagship investment mechanism for supporting newrenewable energy and storage projects. It provides long-term revenue support to reduce project risk and encourage
private investment in the clean energy transition.

The CIS is creating new opportunities for First Nations equity participation and revenue sharing in renewable energy and
storage projects. Under the CIS, successful projects enter into a Capacity Investment Scheme Agreement (CISA) with the
Australian Government. A CISA provides long-term revenue support by establishing a revenue floor and ceiling for a
project, helping to reduce revenue risk and encourage investment in renewable energy and storage infrastructure.

In 2026, the Australian Government has established dedicated First Nations Set Asides in both CIS Tender 9 (renewable
generation) and CIS Tender 10 (dispatchable capacity and battery storage).

Together, these Set Asides reserve project capacity for developments that commit to genuine First Nations equity
participation and/or revenue-sharing arrangements.

This fact sheet explains how the Set Asides work, why they matter, what they could mean for First Nations communities
and organisations, and what support is available.

Read our Fact Sheet here.

Western Australia’s energy transition, including the shift towards large-scale renewable energy projects, is increasingly occurring on First Nations land. In this context, ensuring that the transition delivers meaningful and lasting benefits for First Nations people and communities is a critical policy and governance issue. 

Given the complex interaction between native title, Crown land management and private property rights, there is an ongoing need to carefully consider how First Nations rights and interests are recognised and protected, and how the economic and social benefits of renewable energy development are equitably shared with the Traditional Owners whose lands are central to the transition.

Read the update

The power of community-led solutions was on display in Broome at the Kimberley Aboriginal Clean Energy Forum last week, an event hosted by Aarnja in partnership with the First Nations Clean Energy Network and the Nulungu Research Institute.

Federal government grant monies are now available for First Nations communities, organisations and groups for advice and engagement on planning, negotiating or pursuing clean energy projects in homes, communities and on Country.

The grants are made available as part of implementing the First Nations Clean Energy Strategy 2024-2030 – a commitment by all energy ministers in Australia to ensure First Nations communities are powered with clean energy, enabled in equitable partnerships, and are achieving economic benefits. 

The First Nations Clean Energy Network is hosting an energy gathering for First Nations community members living in Victoria on Tuesday 31 March 2026.

The program is now live for an upcoming First Nations-led forum to ensure First Nations people, communities and businesses don’t get left behind in the Kimberley's accelerated clean energy transition.

One way First Nations can participate in and benefit economically from clean energy is to own equity in projects. Our new guide is designed to support First Nations communities review their participation in clean energy projects.

First Nations in the Kimberley region are invited to a forum bringing together Traditional Owners, community leaders and clean energy partners from across the Kimberley region to set the direction for a First Nations-led clean energy future.

Early stage energy planning to prevent blackouts in Nipapanha community near Leigh Creek in South Australia has begun.

A big thank you to everyone who attended PowerMakers 2025! We now have a 2 minute short film showing some of the highlights.