The Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) has released its first Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP), outlining a commitment to ensuring First Nations peoples are engaged and able to benefit from the nation’s clean energy transition.
ARENA said the RAP, which has been endorsed by Reconciliation Australia, sets out a vision for a future where renewable energy supports stronger connections to Country and enables First Nations communities to thrive as partners and custodians of clean energy projects.
“ARENA acknowledges that Australia’s path towards net zero traverses the lands, waters and skies of First Nations peoples,” the agency said in a statement.
“We recognise and support the Government’s commitment to meaningful engagement and reconciliation with First Nations peoples.”
The agency said it is incorporating engagement and benefit-sharing requirements into its funding agreements and program guidelines. It has also engaged First Nations advisers and panellists to support cultural capability within the organisation.
ARENA pointed to its $125 million Regional Microgrids Program, launched in August 2023, as an example of this focus. Of the total funding, $75 million has been allocated to projects in First Nations communities, where energy supply is often reliant on costly and emissions-intensive diesel generation.
The First Nations Community Microgrids Stream is being developed in consultation with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander groups, renewable energy experts, and state and territory governments.
The agency also said projects shortlisted under the first round of the Hydrogen Headstart program were assessed in part on how they had engaged with First Nations communities to provide opportunities and hear feedback.
To improve industry practice more broadly, ARENA supported the development of the Leading Practice Principles: First Nations and Renewable Energy Projects and is embedding its requirements into funding agreements.
ARENA noted its staff are committed to reconciliation principles, with initiatives that promote awareness, inclusion, and diversity. These include celebrating National Reconciliation Week and NAIDOC Week and appointing a Reconciliation Champion to support internal and departmental activities.
As part of its journey, ARENA commissioned Gunnai, Yorta Yorta, Gunditjmara, Dhudhuroa artist Dixon Patten Jr, also known as Bitja, of Bayila Creative, to create an original artwork.
The piece, titled Sharing Knowledge, reflects the agency’s reconciliation journey and will feature across its brand and offices.
“We are increasing our focus on ensuring First Nations peoples are included, engaged and able to benefit throughout the clean energy transition,” ARENA said. “This is a shared responsibility across our programs, our workforce, and our partnerships.”
