“It’s time for reconciliation to be led by the clean energy opportunity”, 15 October 2023

It was Australia’s chance to recognise and embed the voices and perspectives of Indigenous Peoples in the Constitution, to share in and learn from over 65,000 years of history and connection to Country, and to recognise that First Nations peoples are best placed to guide decisions that affect them and their communities…

As a white Australian I feel shame that we have failed our indigenous friends. But as a leader in the clean energy industry, I have responsibility and a voice to do something about it. Now isn’t a time to stop, it’s a time to push onward with reconciliation…

The transition to clean energy will depend on working collaboratively and constructively with Traditional Owners of the lands on which many renewable projects will be built.

For the clean energy transition to be truly just, engagement with and the inclusion of First Nations communities is essential.

We can also draw hope and inspiration from the growing examples of genuine leadership and partnership between clean energy businesses and First Nations communities.

Industry leader ACEN is partnering with the Yindjibarndi people in Western Australia’s Pilbara region, to develop, own, and operate large-scale renewable energy projects of up to 3GW capacity.

The partnership includes a requirement for Yindjibarndi approval for all proposed project sites, Yindjibarndi equity participation of 25% to 50% in all projects, preferred contracting for Yindjibarndi- owned businesses, and training and job opportunities for Yindjibarndi people

The CEC [Commission for Environmental Cooperation] is developing a best practice guide for the renewable energy industry to engage with First Nations people to ensure First Nations communities and businesses support, participate in and benefit from the renewable energy transition.

It’s now incumbent on all of us in the clean energy sector, to roll up our sleeves and find other meaningful ways to give voice and genuine partnership to First Nations communities in the clean energy revolution.