PowerMakers sets the stage for clean energy experts
26 First Nations people have been selected from over 100 applicants to participate in PowerMakers, a transformative capacity building program for First Nations people pursuing clean energy solutions in homes, communities, and on Country.
Designed and delivered by the First Nations Clean Energy Network with assistance from trusted experts in government, academia and industry, and our clean energy kin in Canada, this year’s annual PowerMakers program is being held in Mparntwe (Alice Springs), Northern Territory from this week.
Access to engage in the clean energy transition
Karrina Nolan, co-Chair of the First Nations Clean Energy Network said PowerMakers was about supporting and resourcing our community members to have access to knowledge and expertise to really engage in the clean energy transition.
“In the last 5 years we’ve seen a significant shift in the role of our communities in the transition to clean energy, she said.
“The First Nations Clean Energy Network’s members through connecting community, industry and government have changed the story about what’s possible when we genuinely engage and consent to projects.
“However, irregular temperatures and climatic extremes are exacerbating energy insecurity issues.
“PowerMakers is an investment in building the capacity and resourcing of communities towards First Nations ownership and economic development.”
“We know that it’s possible to play a greater role in how energy is generated and supplied, to respond to changing weather conditions, sub-standard housing and affordability, and to determine, collaborate and benefit-share in projects.
“First Nations groups – assisted by previous PowerMaker cohorts sharing knowledge back home with communities – are aware that work needs to be done to ensure our people aren’t left behind in Australia’s clean energy transition.
“Energy systems are typically designed around the needs of governments or utilities, rather than community members, making it difficult for First Nations to access rooftop solar and batteries and the cost savings enjoyed by so many people in Australia.
“Access to capital and innovative finance mechanisms through Special Investment Vehicles must be made available to First Nations groups to build energy justice outcomes in communities and on-Country, such as community-led projects reducing diesel reliance and which improve energy affordability.
“And embedding First Nations rights in law and process, and Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) will accelerate Australia’s renewable energy build-out, by reducing project delays, lowering risk, and unlocking underutilised economic resources.
“The 26 participants in this year’s PowerMakers are already doing trail blazing work advocating, planning or leading development of clean energy projects to secure affordable reliable energy, with others preparing for or skilled in negotiations with clean energy proponents around jobs and training, local procurement, benefit-sharing, equity participation, and sustainable values-based access to land and sea.
“PowerMakers is an investment in building the capacity and resourcing of communities towards First Nations ownership and economic development.
“By building on existing skills and knowledge, and sharing learnings and solutions, existing and emerging PowerMakers are ready to seek out, contribute to and benefit from the collective progress of First Nations leading the energy transition throughout Australia.”
PowerMaker 2025 participant Trinity Clarke, a Director of Jabalbina Yalanji Aboriginal Corporation in Queensland said they were very interested in sustainable clean and reliable power for mob.
Owning our own energy
“We have secured funding to build a community-owned microgrid in Wujal Wujal which is very exciting. We know the issues in our communities and it’s something we’ve wanted for a while.
“Owning our own energy means we can look at further aspirations around storing food, and setting up a dialysis clinic, and other measures most people around the country take for granted, but which stay out of reach when you don’t have reliable power.
“Right now we’re working hard to set up governance frameworks for our new majority Yalanji-owned power company backed by a partnership between Jabalbina Yalanji Aboriginal Corporation and Volt Advisory.”
And participant Mike Gilby, a director of Malyangapa Native Title Claimant Group from the tri-state pocket covering NSW, South Australia and Queensland said he wpuld use the opportunity at PowerMakers to sit and listen to what other Countrymen are doing on Country.
“I’ve been watching the evolution of clean energy over the past decade, starting with Snowy Hydro,” he said.
“My interest is hydro technology, and we’re looking at how we can repurpose the infrastructure already in place at those locks and weirs – from the Hume Dam all the way to the Murray Mouth, and we’re also looking at the clean energy corridors being constructed for transmission, with towers scattered along First Nations’ country.”
