First Nations groups feeling a sense of urgency about the opportunities clean energy can bring in terms of access to energy, jobs, business development, and First Nations wealth generation on Country are calling for significant action and bold Federal Budget ambition at this year's First Nations Clean Energy Symposium happening in Adelaide on 8-9 May 2024.

A remote First Nations community in the Northern Territory will soon have access to renewable energy while also bringing down their power bill.

The energy transformation in New South Wales has included a range of initiatives for First Nations people. 

First Nations people can and should benefit from the renewable energy revolution, including from small community-based projects to large scale export-focused initiatives, and also through the development of new supply chains and industries.

South Australia is a global leader in renewable energy. Driven by high quality wind resources and rooftop solar in a smaller electricity market, renewable energy supplies around 70% of SA's electricity consumption. SA has one of the highest market shares for renewable energy in the world and has a target for 100% renewable energy by 2030. 

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Thanks to Neoen for the image of the 150 MW Hornsdale Power Reserve

Despite significant energy justice issues, there is great opportunity for First Nations to play a leading role in the clean energy industry in Queensland, particularly given the scale of projects proposed.

Queensland has very strong solar resources, and also high quality and nationally competitive wind resources and there is clearly much potential for the development of clean energy projects on First Nations-titled lands. 

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This policy overview was drafted with assistance from Elizabeth McDonald, Director at Chalk & Behrendt  and Taryn Lane, consultant and Manager of Hepburn Community Wind Farm. 

Thanks to Hoshi Moshi for the image!

It is estimated that 43% of all clean energy infrastructure required to get Australia to net zero emissions will be sited on land under the care or control of First Nations.

First Nations communities will be significantly impacted by, and critical to, decarbonisation. The Indigenous Estate should be accessed by agreement with First Nations communities.

First Nations ownership and equity models are essential, alongside genuine partnerships that have deep levels of trust, reconciliation efforts, and a sense of community. Benefit-sharing must start early (before impacts are felt), to build and sustain trust, and maintain momentum.

Best practice frameworks for clean energy projects such as, First Nations Better Practice Community Engagement and the First Nations Clean Energy Network, should be used across all projects impacting the Indigenous Estate. Factors including a commitment to cultural heritage and land stewardship, protecting Country, sharing economic and social benefits through strategic partnerships, and ensuring cultural competency.

This Mobilisation Report was put together by Net Zero Australia, in partnership with The University of Melbourne, The University of Queensland, Princeton University and NOUS, and was published in July 2023.

Read the report here

Ensuring First Nations people and communities participate in and benefit from the clean energy transition is the focus of a community roundtable in Alice Springs on 16-17 May 2023.

The case for responsible renewables development isn’t just an altruistic one. Businesses, development finance institutions and governments all face real risks when they don’t prioritise community interests and human rights.