First Nations engagement guide for the renewables industry
The first ever comprehensive national guide on meaningful engagement, consent, participation and benefit-sharing with First Nations people on renewable energy projects is being launched today.
Share this guide
22 Feb 2024
This new guide sets out expectations for industry and details key considerations for engagement at each stage of a project’s lifecycle.
Co-authored by the Clean Energy Council and KPMG, Leading Principles: First Nations and Renewable Energy Projects puts into operation all ten of the First Nations Clean Energy Network’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Best Practice Principles for Clean Energy Projects.
Clean Energy Council Chief Executive Kane Thornton said the intention of the guide is to ensure respect for the rights of First Nations peoples and improved outcomes for communities.
Australia’s clean energy sector has identified the need for stronger engagement and relationships with First Nations peoples.
Kane ThorntonCEO, Clean Energy Council
“We are proud to partner with the First Nations Clean Energy Network and KPMG to forge a path ahead for Australia’s clean energy industry to work hand in hand with First Nations communities.“With proper practices in place, the essential work of the energy transition will not only accelerate Australia towards achieving its targets but provide First Nations Australians with an opportunity to be heard and play a crucial role in a defining economic shift for the country.”
KPMG Indigenous Services Lead, Glen Brennan, said that today’s launch of the guide marks a significant milestone in unifying industry and First Nations peoples.“First Nations communities have an intrinsic relationship with the natural environment and understanding of sustainable land cultivation and management through traditional knowledge and practices,” Brennan said.“As Australia moves forward with meeting its environmental, energy and emissions reduction commitments, it will be critical that the renewable energy sector includes and acknowledges the perspectives of First Nations peoples through meaningful engagement, obtaining consent, partnerships, equity and ownership opportunities.”First Nations Clean Energy Network co-chair, Karrina Nolan said First Nations are central to the Australian Government’s plan for the renewables roll out.“The guide provides a new template for governments, industry and First Nations communities to work together towards the shared goal of more affordable, reliable and sustainable energy for all,” Nolan said.
“Meaningful engagement with First Nations communities leading to energy partnerships, equity and ownership opportunities stands to maximise community support for projects, increase opportunities for local employment and businesses, and deliver stronger outcomes for sustainability and energy security.“The rights, interests and aspirations of First Nations peoples must be front and centre to achieve a just clean energy transformation, minimising risks, costs and delays for renewable energy projects being planned, developed and operated on country.“And it's something which must be done in partnership with industry. This guide can help with that.“
For more information or to arrange an interview, contact:
Clean Energy Council welcomes headstart for second green hydrogen project in Australia
The Clean Energy Council welcomes today’s announcement of a second large-scale green hydrogen project to benefit from the first round of the Government’s $2 billion Hydrogen Headstart program announced in the 2023-24 Budget – with a $432 million investment in Orica’s Hunter Valley Hydrogen Hub set to replace its reliance on gas at its Kooragang Island operation in NSW, with green hydrogen.
Home battery demand lights up as Australia switches on for Energy Independence Day
Power bills could be a thing of the past for millions of Aussies, as landmark home battery rebate schemes kick off today, marking what the Clean Energy Council – the leading peak body for the industry - is calling Energy Independence Day.
The CEC has made a submission to the Victorian transmission plan. Our submission sets out our assessment of the VTP and makes suggests as to how we consider the document can be improved. Learn more.
New Clean Energy, Job Ready program launches as demand for skilled renewable workforce grows
The Clean Energy Council (CEC), Australia’s peak body for the renewable energy industry, has this week launched a new Clean energy, job ready program, featuring industry-agreed skills, training, career pathways and a digital skills passport to support and attract more tradies, apprentices, and job-seekers to the clean energy industry, closing critical skills gaps as Australia transitions to a clean energy future.
Clean Energy Council says passage of Queensland renewable reforms disregards industry feedback
The Clean Energy Council has expressed disappointment following the Queensland Parliament’s decision to pass its proposed renewable energy planning reforms without amendment. The national peak body for the renewable energy sector is concerned that these new laws will add complexity, delay approvals for large-scale renewable projects and put much-needed investment in Queensland at risk.
Clean Energy Council welcomes NSW Government's investment in Transmission Acceleration Facility
The NSW Government’s landmark investment of $2.1 billion in the Transmission Acceleration Facility (TAF), along with continued funding for critical infrastructure in Renewable Energy Zones (REZs), sends a powerful message that the Minns Government is fully committed to meeting the challenges of the energy transition, according to the Clean Energy Council.
