We're excited to share an important new resource detailing nearly 60 clean energy projects that have been successful in tenders awarded via the Capacity Investment Scheme, and its implications for First Nations people and communities.

The Capacity Investment Scheme (CIS) is a $70 billion Australian Government revenue underwriting scheme to accelerate investment in clean energy projects.

Importantly, First Nations people and communities impacted by clean energy projects supported through the CIS must be approached by the project developer (the proponent) to realise engagement, participation, economic, and other benefit sharing opportunities, as per the government tender requirements.

First Nations communities and groups can get ahead by finding out which projects have been awarded, mapping out clear expectations around engagement, benefits, equity, and other outcomes.

Our new webpage provides information about CIS projects that have been successful in their tender bids, where they are located, the First Nations benefit-sharing measures proponents have committed to, and how to get involved.

Key highlights include:

• Engagement and benefits: First Nations people and communities impacted by CIS clean energy projects must be engaged to ensure they fully participate in and benefit from these developments.
• Merit criteria: Proponents are required to meet specific First Nations merit criteria in the CIS, focusing on consultation, economic benefits, and equitable participation.
• Interactive mapping: Our new webpage features a map of CIS supported projects, along with details on the First Nations merit criteria associated with each tender.

It aims to highlight what proponents have committed to doing, compare and contrast their level of ambition, and highlight what actions they're taking.

This in turn should provide a lever for First Nations people and groups to address how, where, when, and to what extent those outcomes are being met by proponents, and to take action if needed.

Visit the webpage: From Commitment to Delivery

What can you do?

First Nations have a pivotal role in shaping the future of CIS awarded projects.

We invite you to visit our webpage From Commitment to Delivery to access detailed information on successful tenders through the CIS, there locations, the First Nations and social licence merit criteria that proponents had to address, and the commitments made by proponents.

First Nations have the opportunity to lead community engagement and negotiations with proponents that have been awarded projects through the CIS. 

Review the webpage map to see if a Capacity Investment Scheme project has been awarded in your area

• Which Tender was the project awarded under? (eg. Tender 1, Tender 2, etc.)
• What are the First Nations merit criteria for that tender? (see above)
• Click on the project in the map to learn more about it, including reading the company’s commitments outlined in their tender document (if publicly available)
• What have proponents said they will do to meet the First Nations merit criteria? 
• Cross-check First Nations benefits that proponents in all projects have put forward 

Learn about the companies involved

• Who are they? Who are their bosses?
• Where has the company built other renewable energy projects?
• Is the company known for being a good operator practicing social licence?

Talk to your local community or group about the project and the First Nations merit criteria that the proponent must meet 

• Agree on community protocols for engagement
• Agree on community aspirations and expectations
• Discuss the required merit criteria the proponent must meet, and review whether there is alignment with your group's aspirations and expectations
• Find out whether project proponents are meeting with Traditional Owners and/or representatives:
  • to ensure engagement is occurring
  • site selection is undertaken in collaboration to minimise or remove impacts to culturally significant areas
  • First Nations outcomes through the specific merit criteria are being co-designed with First Nations groups
  • First Nations groups are happy with the company promises/actions around the merit criteria
  • action is being taken

If the proponent has yet to engage (as they all must do) 

• Work out a process to begin your group’s engagement with the proponent, to include bringing your community’s aspirations to the table (read our Clean Energy Negotiations Guide for First Nations)
• Contact the proponent (the company) involved
• If needed, provide the proponent with a copy of our Best Practice Principles for Clean Energy Projects and Leading Practice Principles: First Nations and Renewable Energy Projects and direct them towards our Building Capacity of Proponents toolkit
• If you are in Queensland, speak with your Local Government Authority (LGA) as with new planning reform changes, any community benefit agreement needs to be signed off by the LGA
• In New South Wales, proponents must also adhere to the state's First Nations Guidelines which are additional to the Capacity Investment Scheme requirements

If the proponent is not willing to engage

• Contact ASL as they awarded the tender and may be able to assist you
• Contact the Capacity Investment Scheme as they manage the tender and may be able to assist you
• Contact the First Nations Clean Energy Network

First Nations engagement and negotiation, equity and benefit-sharing, in compliance with proponent's tender commitments, offers mutual benefit for investors and First Nations groups alike, and reduces project risk, cost and delay.

Your involvement is crucial in driving these initiatives forward to ensure the benefits of clean energy projects supported through the CIS are shared equitably with First Nations and communities.

Visit the webpage: From Commitment to Delivery