We’re off and running in 2026

February 02, 2026

We’re off and running in 2026

Our first newsletter for the year is out!

Sign onto our mailing list and together let’s ensure First Nations are front and centre of Australia’s clean energy boom. Join us here

Dear Members and Supporters

Thank you for your ongoing support and interest.

Later this year it will be 5 years since we started the First Nations Clean Energy Network.

Established in November 2021 by First Nations people, groups, community organisations, land councils, unions, academics, industry groups, technical advisors, legal experts, renewables companies and others, guided by our fabulous steering group, we remain determined to work in partnership to ensure First Nations communities are not left behind as the nation transitions to cheaper cleaner energy.

First Nations are ready and willing to determine, participate in, and share in the benefits of Australia’s clean energy transition.

Over 30 and counting First Nations clean energy partnerships across the country, many with equity and other benefit sharing measures, are testament to that, clearly demonstrating First Nations leadership in the energy transition.

And with our advocacy work highlighting clean energy projects awarded under the government’s Capacity Investment Scheme where proponents have committed to engaging with First Nations towards benefit-sharing, First Nations groups have the opportunity to realise outcomes in nearly 60 projects to-date.

As we enter 2026, the Network is a prominent and trusted national platform, with growing influence, strong relationships, and an unwavering ambition to ensure First Nations people around the country have the information, resources and toolsnecessary to self-determine meaningful outcomes and power community-led clean energy solutions in homes, communities and on Country.

Over the past few years, the Network has grown significantly — we now have over2,000 First Nations members (individuals and organisations), thousands of supporters, more partnerships, more visibility, and a deeper presence across the country.

With your help, we’ve changed the story and what’s possible for our mob.

There’s more to do, it’s early days.

But, as shown in this short film, First Nations from around the country agree, we’re off and running.

First Nations are powering up in the clean energy transition

In 2026, the Network will continue to lead on advocacy, policy reform, and capacity building.

At the same time as the biggest transformation of energy is happening in our lifetime, and as eye-watering amounts of government funding are being deployed to develop the industries of the future in a clean energy-powered economy, our communities are living the impacts of climate change: fires, floods, extreme heat, unreliable power, overcrowded sub standard homes – where people are forced to choose between paying for power or food.

We will continue to develop resources to assist people to solve the problem of high energy costs and a changing climate, and to advocate strongly for First Nations participation and inclusion in a future clean energy-powered economy.

Top Tips to save energy and money

And we’ll work with communities to develop innovative solutions and partnerships towards accessing clean reliable affordable energy.

Solar on every household — A community-inspired success story in Point Pearce

We'll build upon our best practice guides to demonstrate a pathway for First Nations, and industry and government towards enabling consent, participation, benefit sharing and partnerships in clean energy.

Best Practice Principles for Clean Energy Projects for the clean energy industry, government and communities

Renewable Energy Project Development: What’s involved? for First Nations groups and organisations, advisors, decision-makers and Boards

Clean Energy Planning Toolkit for First Nations for communities and groups

Clean Energy Negotiations Guide for First Nations for communities and groups

Look out for our new guide coming out soon: First Nations Co-ownership and Equity Participation in Clean Energy Projects.

During 2026 our capacity building impact will be strengthened around the country, including through our:

Targeted workshops and gatherings held with First Nations communities and groups around the country, including the upcoming Kimberley Aboriginal Clean Energy Forum.

Clean Energy Hub for First Nations people, organisations, and communities — providing a central place for trusted advice, practical tools, and expert support.

First Nations Clean Energy Symposium bringing together Traditional Owners, communities engaging in clean energy, government policy makers, industry representatives and First Nations leaders to listen and share knowledge, work on the challenges, and build on the work we’re already doing together.

Webinars designed to address the unique opportunities and challenges faced by First Nations communities, bringing together experts, leaders and community members who share a common interest for clean energy.

PowerMakers, designed to equip First Nations with the knowledge, skills, and resources to spearhead clean energy initiatives and make a positive impact within communities while also taking First Nations leadership of the clean energy transition in Australia to the next level.

Fact Sheets to learn more about a particular issue that impacts First Nations groups.

Project Equity Templates for First Nations groups and industry, showing how First Nations equity and ownership in clean energy projects, with or without native title, is the benchmark.

Building Capacity of Proponents toolkit to reset the standard and equip proponents, governments and investors with the guidance needed to engage First Nations early, meaningfully, and on equal terms, offering clear, practical guidance leading to strong agreements, shared equity, and benefits for all.

Research and Information Portal showcasing the research of our partners and allies on issues impacting First Nations in the clean energy transition, to further build the evidence to change the story.

And in 2026, we will continue to collate finance and funding opportunities available to assist First Nations households, communities and businesses transition to renewable energy.

We will continue to dive deeper into the drivers, challenges and barriers of First Nations participation, sharing our cutting-edge quality research reports with community, industry and government to change the settings.

Our recent report Investor Benefits of First Nations Participation in Clean Energy demonstrating the opportunity for mutual financial benefit for investors and First Nations groups continues to be shared in investor circles.

In 2026 we will focus keenly on 5 key areas needing reform, including:

prepayment metering, affordable energy, and customer protections for First Nations households

policy uptake of FPIC (free, prior and informed consent)

energy efficiency, climate-safe and housing retrofits

removing barriers for First Nations households to rooftop solar and battery uptake

establishing the right conditions, settings and supports, including investment and funding pools, to enable First Nations to pursue clean energy solutions.

We aim to change outcomes for our communities, and change the energy transition itself.

Nothing about us without us.

We look forward to your ongoing support, ensuring the Network remains a national platform in its own right, shaping policy and representing the collective leadership and priorities of First Nations people in the clean energy transition.

Together, let’s ensure no one gets left behind.

In solidarity,

First Nations Clean Energy Network

newsletter January 2026