There is an important dimension largely absent from NSW's current proposals for data centre electricity connection and cost recovery, being the rights, interests, cultural and Country responsibilities, and economic opportunities of First Nations people. 

The Capacity Investment Scheme has the potential to benefit First Nations communities through its tender rules, and an upcoming First Nations revenue and equity set aside is an additional opportunity for First Nations communities to benefit. 

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.

The Guarantee of Origin scheme matters because it gives Traditional Owners and First Nations groups a new set of tools to hold developers accountable and to leverage an emerging policy framework for lasting value.

First Nations and Traditional Owners can use the GO Scheme in practice for:

• Leverage in negotiations and an insight into the values of developers
• Pathways to ownership
• Recognition for consent and partnerships
• Economic growth and procurement
• Employment, heritage and benefit-sharing.
  

Read the fact sheet

Traditional Owners and First Nations groups have a new set of tools to hold clean energy developers accountable. 

New research shows investor backing of First Nations participation in clean energy projects offers mutual benefit for investors and First Nations groups and reduces project risk, cost and delay.