Due to its reliance on emissions-intensive brown coal, Victoria is currently seeking to engineer a transition from one of the dirtiest power systems in the world to 95% renewable energy by 2035. The Victorian government has set out an ambitious agenda consisting of projects such as establishing Renewable Energy Zones, the development of offshore wind, battery storage targets, and energy efficiency and electrification of households and businesses. The amount of coal-fired power has decreased significantly with the 2017 exit of Hazelwood station and the exit of Anglesea coal power station in 2015.  

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Thanks to Huzaifa Tariq for the beautiful photo!

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!

The Australian Government’s energy policy comprises a large number of energy strategies and frameworks, policies and programs. These are broadly designed to underpin the supply of energy (reliable, secure and affordable), whilst also aiming to improve energy supply, efficiency, quality, performance and productivity, and reduce emissions. 

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Enabling and empowering First Nations to play a key and central role in Australia’s renewable energy transition goes beyond just social licence issues.

Governments in the United States and Canada have already realised that establishing the right partnerships with First Nations in the clean energy transition is an investment decision.

After two years of listening, the First Nations Clean Energy Network offers eight actions that will support Australian governments partner with First Nations in this fast and furious clean energy transition. 

Despite the potential benefits, getting rooftop solar projects up and running hasn't been easy.