Australia’s clean energy transition is set to transform the country, with First Nations peoples playing a central role in shaping and benefiting from this historic shift.
Australia is on the brink of a monumental transformation as it transitions to clean, renewable energy sources. At the center of this change are First Nations peoples, the original custodians of the land, who have cared for it for over 65,000 years. The federal government’s new First Nations Clean Energy Strategy, launched with a commitment of A$70 million, underscores the importance of ensuring that First Nations communities are central to—and benefit from—Australia’s clean energy transition.
The strategy, developed through extensive consultation with First Nations communities, industry stakeholders, and state and territory governments, outlines a roadmap for integrating renewable energy into First Nations lands while respecting cultural heritage and promoting economic opportunities. As Australia strives to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, about half of the necessary renewable energy infrastructure will be developed on First Nations land. This makes their involvement essential and a matter of justice and equity in Australia’s clean energy transition.
One key priority of the strategy is to bring reliable and affordable clean energy to First Nations communities. Many remote communities in northern Australia rely on diesel generators for power, which are both environmentally harmful and expensive. Additionally, pre-paid electricity systems often leave households disconnected when they cannot afford to pay, exacerbating energy poverty.
The strategy emphasizes establishing renewable energy projects in these communities, such as solar farms and wind turbines. It also calls for improving energy efficiency in housing, which is often poorly insulated and prone to extreme heat, leading to health issues. By transitioning to clean energy, these communities can reduce their reliance on fossil fuels, lower energy costs, and improve living conditions—key goals of Australia’s clean energy transition.
The strategy highlights the importance of equitable partnerships between First Nations peoples, industry, and governments. Such partnerships ensure that First Nations communities can consent to projects on their terms, reducing risks and delays for developers while empowering local communities.
To support this, the strategy aims to build the capacity of First Nations peoples to participate in decision-making processes related to clean energy projects. This includes providing culturally appropriate resources and training to help communities understand the opportunities and risks associated with projects like solar farms or wind energy installations.
Economic participation is another critical focus. First Nations peoples currently make up just 1.9% of Australia’s clean energy workforce, representing a significant opportunity for growth. The strategy proposes measures to support First Nations energy businesses, improve access to financial resources, and develop a skilled workforce. Programs like the Indigenous Ranger initiative, which has successfully created employment opportunities in land management, serve as a model for expanding participation in Australia’s clean energy transition.
Recognizing First Nations peoples’ deep connection to land and sea is central to the strategy. Their cultural knowledge, developed over millennia, can greatly enhance the design and implementation of clean energy projects. For example, understanding local ecosystems and weather patterns can help optimize the placement of solar panels or wind turbines.
The strategy calls for governments and the clean energy industry to become more culturally competent, fostering collaborative relationships with First Nations communities. This approach respects cultural heritage and ensures that projects are sustainable and aligned with the values of the people who have cared for the land for generations—a cornerstone of Australia’s clean energy transition.
The First Nations Clean Energy Strategy complements the Closing the Gap agreement, which aims to reduce health, education, and economic disparities between First Nations and non-Indigenous Australians. Key targets include improving economic participation, social and emotional well-being, and access to information and services.
Several initiatives are already underway to support these goals. For instance, the Capacity Investment Scheme requires renewable energy projects to demonstrate meaningful engagement with First Nations communities. Similarly, New South Wales’ Electricity Infrastructure Roadmap sets targets for First Nations employment and procurement in the energy sector—both critical components of Australia’s clean energy transition.
While the strategy represents a hopeful step forward, significant challenges remain. Translating its goals into tangible benefits will require sustained funding, monitoring, and collaboration. Historically, efforts to boost First Nations economic development have been hindered by a lack of resources and capacity. To avoid repeating past mistakes, the government must ensure that the strategy is adequately supported and that its implementation is closely tracked.
The clean energy transition also presents an opportunity to address the disproportionate impact of climate change on First Nations communities. Rising temperatures, extreme weather events, and environmental degradation threaten to make their lands unlivable, leading to further displacement and loss of cultural heritage. By prioritizing First Nations involvement in Australia’s clean energy transition, the nation can mitigate these risks and create a more inclusive and sustainable future.
As Australia bids to host the United Nations climate change conference in 2026, the First Nations Clean Energy Strategy positions the country as a leader in integrating Indigenous rights and knowledge into climate action. By elevating the role of First Nations peoples in Australia’s clean energy transition, the nation can set an example for other countries to follow.
The strategy is more than just a policy document; it is a commitment to justice, equity, and sustainability. By ensuring that First Nations peoples are at the heart of the clean energy revolution, Australia can honor their stewardship of the land while building a brighter future for all.
One thing that has come out of the climate crisis is the recognition of the huge part that can be played in its mitigation, by Indigenous People. Despite having been long despised, treated as third rate citizens, and having everything stolen from them, it has been realised that they are in the very best position to be consultants in this area. In those countries that have Indigenous populations, they are always at the forefront of decision making, action plans, stewardship and so on. At long last, they have the importance that they should always have had, in the countries owned by them. Someone who steals something, does not then become the rightful owner of whatever was stolen; that position remains with the original owner. So having had their lands stolen, and being treated appallingly, it will be the Indigenous People who make things better. Remember this!