Recognising leadership, innovation and impact across Australia’s clean energy sector.
The Clean Energy Council Awards celebrate the individuals and organisations driving Australia’s clean energy future.
With a proud history spanning more than a decade, the awards recognise excellence, innovation and impact across the sector, spotlighting those making meaningful contributions to the clean energy transition.
Clean Energy Council Awards 2026
The Clean Energy Council Awards are back, with nominations opening on 22 April. After more than a decade, the awards continue to showcase the very best of Australia's clean energy sector - celebrating the excellence, innovation and impact shaping the nation's energy future.
To be eligible, projects must have commenced implementation and achieved outcomes within the past 12 months, but may have been in planning and development for up to five years prior.
Key dates
22 April – Applications open
1 June – Applications close
7 July – Finalists announced
28 July – Winners announced at the Australian Clean Energy Summit Gala Dinner
Award categories
Collaboration award
The collaboration award recognises an organisation, individual or group that has built consensus and driven progress among key stakeholders to support the Australian clean energy industry. This award was born out of the Connection Reform Initiative, a unique collaboration between AEMO, the Clean Energy Council and many parts of the industry.
Community value and impact award
The community value and impact award awarded to an organisation that has showcased best practice in engaging respectfully with the communities, and making an outstanding contribution to the regions, in which they operate including demonstrating sensitivity and responsiveness to environmental and cultural values. Excellence in this category reflects a deep commitment to collaboration, inclusion and community-led success.
First Nations engagement and participation award
The First Nations engagement and participation award recognises an individual or organisation that has demonstrated exceptional leadership in engaging with and supporting First Nations communities through clean energy initiatives. This award celebrates meaningful, respectful partnerships that empower First Nations Peoples and ensure genuine participation in the energy transition.
Equity, inclusion and diversity award
The equity, inclusion and diversity award recognises an individual or organisation that has made an outstanding contribution to creating a more inclusive, diverse and equitable clean energy sector. This award celebrates those who have demonstrated excellence in accessible practices, worked to sustainably increase workforce diversity, supported the meaningful inclusion of underrepresented groups and ensured equitable opportunities across the sector. Through transformative initiatives and changemaking leadership, the recipient has helped build a cleaner energy future that is fair, inclusive and representative of all Australians.
Communications and campaign award
The communications and campaign award recognises outstanding initiatives led by organisations that have positively influenced awareness, sentiment or engagement in clean energy. It celebrates strategic campaigns, compelling storytelling and effective stakeholder or public-facing communications that drive understanding, build support and inspire action across traditional, digital or integrated channels.
Media award (journalism)
The media award recognises excellence in journalism that has positively shaped public understanding of renewable energy. This award honours individual journalists or media outlets whose reporting demonstrates accuracy, depth and impact, contributing to more informed public and industry conversations around clean energy.
Outstanding contribution to clean energy award
The outstanding contribution to clean energy award is presented by the CEO to an individual who has made a significant and lasting impact on accelerating Australia's transition to clean energy. This award recognises leadership, long-standing dedication and tangible achievements that have advanced the sector. The recipient will have demonstrated a deep dedication to shaping a cleaner, more sustainable energy future for all Australians, leaving a legacy that inspires continued progress across the industry.