Driving Indigenous-led clean energy opportunities on Aboriginal land

The fast emerging transition to renewable energy in New South Wales (NSW) presents a transformative opportunity for Aboriginal communities, particularly through the involvement of Aboriginal Land Councils. A recent report highlights that approximately 43% of the infrastructure needed to achieve Net Zero by 2060 is expected to be developed on land collectively held by First Peoples. This underscores the critical role Aboriginal landholders can play—not just as beneficiaries of clean energy, but as active participants and leaders in its development.

Case studies with the Tibooburra, Hay, and Brewarrina Land Councils revealed community priorities: improving energy reliability and affordability, especially in remote areas plagued by blackouts and high costs, and generating revenue to fund community-led initiatives and create jobs on Country. These councils also demonstrated the feasibility of hosting small- to mid-scale renewable projects, microgrids, and batteries, particularly in edge-of-grid locations.

However, several barriers hinder progress. These include delays in processing land claims, lack of technical expertise and funding within Land Councils, and missed opportunities for collaboration with energy providers. To address these challenges, the report recommends four key policy actions: transition to renewable energy in New South Wales (NSW) presents a transformative opportunity for Aboriginal communities, particularly through the involvement of Aboriginal Land Councils. A recent report highlights that approximately 43% of the infrastructure needed to achieve Net Zero by 2060 is expected to be developed on land collectively held by First Peoples. This underscores the critical role Aboriginal landholders can play—not just as beneficiaries of clean energy, but as active participants and leaders in its development.