In an exciting step forward for renewable energy, nearly 40 First Nations people are in Perth for the First Nations Clean Energy Networks second clean energy training program taking place until 8 November 2024.

I really want to see us put renewables into remote community energy systems and reduce the amount of diesel that we’re burning. 

Congratulations to Ruby Heard, one of the First Nations Clean Energy Network’s fabulous steering group members, on being appointed as a board member of the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA).

While rooftop solar has been installed on over 3.5 million houses in Australia, there are next to none on First Nations homes.

First Nations remain locked out of clean energy investment and housing and community-led initiatives, yet frequently experience unreliable, expensive, or power disconnections, living without an air conditioner as the climate warms, without a refrigerator to keep food and medicines cool, and without the ability to recharge phones and computers so that kids can do their homework.

While we continue to strongly advocate for government-backed renewable energy rebates and incentives for First Nations households, this session looks at what we can do now to improve our energy security - the appliances that pass the test, how to get off gas, and other simple energy efficiency measures to save us money on our electrification journey.

SPEAKERS: Janeen Bulsey, Vanessa Davis, Kerry Connors, Ruby Heard (Facilitator)

Some First Nations groups are planning, developing, partnering and installing clean energy solutions in their homes and communities - whether it's putting solar on a rooftop, improving the energy efficiency of housing stock, or developing a microgrid.

So, how are they doing it?

This session brings looks at where to begin, who to talk to, and how to determine whether an idea can be made into a reality, using the Community Energy Planning Toolkit as a guide.

SPEAKERS: Chantelle Johns, Ethan Godfrey, Lauren Mellor, Conrad Yeatman, Josh Paterson, Ruby Heard (Facilitator)

The biggest challenge to an equitable energy transition in Australia is that equity is not the core value of the energy industry.

The transition to distributed clean energy has a lot of benefits for remote First Nations communities, but there are barriers in place that mean our people are being left behind and left out.

The First Nations Clean Energy Symposium was definitely a huge success. We covered everything from heartbreaking stories of climate impacts on our most vulnerable communities to groundbreaking community-led energy projects.

We're proud to have received the 2023 Clean Energy Council 'First Nations Engagement and Participation' Award for demonstrating outstanding positive community engagement with First Nations communities.

The reality of remote living, with a lack of reliable power and water supply, sits in stark contrast to the billions of dollars being poured into mining projects across Australia each year. 

How should Indigenous people participate in the clean energy transition? Steering Group member Ruby Heard highlights the essential criteria for an equitable transition.