Demonstrating the significant and growing interest in renewable energy opportunities among Indigenous businesses, communities and organisations, the First Nations Clean Energy Symposium this week on Kabi Kabi Country has sold every available ticket.

More than 400 people will attend the Sunshine Coast symposium to highlight renewable energy breakthroughs and what's needed next in self-determined clean energy transition.

The ever-growing leadership of First Nations communities in driving Australia's clean energy transition, including over 20 First Nations clean energy project partnerships in development, will be highlighted at the Symposium across 13-15 August.

The third First Nations Clean Energy Symposium will push for collaborative progress in the energy transition and ensure First Nations peoples are leading the way in creating "sustainable, self-determined futures".

As part of this conversation, First Nations leaders will reinforce the need for a just, equitable, and community-led approach to renewable energy development.

Hosted by the First Nations Clean Energy Network and supported by the Indigenous Land and Sea Corporation, the symposium is bringing together First Nations leaders, Traditional Owners, community members, government representatives, unions, academics and industry representatives to discuss strategies for accelerating the energy transition and backing First Nations communities.

The Symposium will focus on what has been achieved so far, the barriers still to address, and the need to work together collaboratively.

Indigenous Land and Sea Corporation chief executive Joe Morrison noted on Tuesday, the day before the Symposium begins, that First Nations peoples hold "a deep, enduring connection to Country".

"That connection brings knowledge and perspectives that are critical to shaping Australia's clean energy future," he said.

"This Symposium is a vital space for sharing that knowledge, building partnerships, and ensuring First Nations voices are leading the conversation.

"It's about shifting from participation to genuine leadership, and making sure clean energy delivers lasting benefits for First Nations communities."

First Nations Clean Energy Network co-Chair Karrina Nolan said First Nations consent, genuine partnership, and participation are needed for Australia's energy transition to happen at the scale and pace required to address climate change.

"The Symposium is a critical opportunity for First Nations to share our vision and the work we're already doing to shape the energy transition. We must be at the centre of this shift; our leadership must guide the transition to renewable energy if it is to be truly just," she said.

"Across Australia, over four million households have rooftop solar; enjoying the benefits of cleaner, more affordable power, yet First Nations homes are largely unable to access solar and battery benefits and programs.

"The government must address the urgent energy needs of our communities; including those on homelands and in social housing and rental properties. We need more community-led projects, backed with financial and policy support to ensure no one is left behind."

Ms Nolan said there is a growing desire among First Nations communities for "stable, long-term revenues and greater decision-making power over projects impacting their land and waters".

"Our communities want to own, co-own, and actively participate in the economic opportunities the clean energy transition offers," she said.

"Industry is beginning to recognise the strengths and increased certainty that First Nations ownership and co-ownership can bring to these projects.

"It's clear that now is the time to invest in First Nations communities and support access to capital and the resources needed. There are many barriers to our people's participation in the clean energy revolution, from policy constraints to limited financing options for First Nations-led projects. But this moment also offers an opportunity to reset our relationship with industry and rethink economic development on country."

Ms Nolan said the First Nations Clean Energy Network and allies are working to ensure everyone acknowledges the value of First Nations participation.

"Proponents' early engagement in designing collaborative participation models will not only build stronger partnerships but also reduce costs, speed up project development, and increase the certainty of outcomes," she said.

"We know there's things that work, we know it's complicated, but we're looking at government to focus on the solutions and implement them at scale, and at investors, to get moving and back us in.

"Ensuring proponent's commitment to First Nations outcomes in the Capacity Investment Scheme is a good start, and funds to implement the First Nations Clean Energy Strategy is great – action is the next step. Now is the time for transformative change in Australia's clean energy policies and to begin investing in projects and economic futures with our people."

The event will be held at the Sunshine Coast Convention Centre.

More to come.