The First Nations Clean Energy Network has launched a new clean energy Best Practice Guide for First Nations wanting to develop a clean energy project in their homes and communities. 

Twelve months in development, the new Community Energy Planning Toolkit outlines a 7-step framework for communities to take an idea into planning, feasibility and design, getting funding, seeking approvals, building, and monitoring a clean energy project.

The toolkit has been produced to empower First Nations communities in the pursuit of sustainable, clean energy solutions tailored to our communities.

Over 100 people attended our online webinar launch of the toolkit today.

Chantelle Johns, community coordinator for the development of the Marlinja Community Microgrid in the Northern Territory says the toolkit is a really valuable guide.

“The new toolkit has lots of really good information in it and all communities should have access to it as it will be really useful for them to decide if they’re going to go the clean energy route, just like Marlinja has.

“Like many First Nations communities, we wanted to generate the majority of our own electricity through sustainable sources. 

“We began in renewables by repowering our community centre with solar and batteries in 2020. Now we’re building a microgrid for the whole community using solar and battery power, with the launch scheduled for April 2024.”

Karrina Nolan, co-Chair of the First Nations Clean Energy Network says the opportunity of renewable energy should and can be available to all.

“The Toolkit will assist our communities to have discussions about clean energy futures that are shaped by the community for the benefit of the community.

“First Nations people want to develop clean energy projects in homes and communities and on Country.

“We want to drive community-owned renewable energy projects that deliver local secure jobs and affordable reliable electricity.

“In Canada, Indigenous nations are now the second largest asset owners of renewable energy, with thousands of small to large scale clean energy projects.

“It can happen here too. We believe it's more than time that all of our people have access to clean energy.

“First Nations planning, design, ownership and leadership is a competitive advantage for projects, and will finally bring affordable reliable electricity to our communities.

“This toolkit for planning and developing our own renewable energy projects in households, businesses and communities can help us get clean energy that to-date has been hard to access.”

Speakers at the online launch included Ruby Heard, steering group members of the First Nations Clean Energy Network; Karrina Nolan, co-Chair of the First Nations Clean Energy Network; Chantelle Johns, community coordinator for the development of the Marlinja Community Microgrid in the Northern Territory; and Dan Brooks from Original Power.

Download the Community Energy Planning Toolkit