Australia's race to net-zero emissions by 2050 means that Indigenous groups are becoming key partners in sustainable wealth-creation projects.
"It can't happen without us, there's no way," says Chris Croker, a Luritja man from Central Australia.
Mr Croker, a senior executive and strategy adviser, is an expert in Indigenous economic development and infrastructure construction. He knows the renewables revolution can change the course of First Nations communities for generations. As co-chair of the First Nations Clean Energy Network with Karrina Nolan, a descendant of the Yorta Yorta people, they've influenced the government's approach to First Nations engagement in the green energy transition.
Australia's vast natural resources mean the road to net zero runs through First Nations territories, with over 60 per cent of future clean energy projects on land and sea where First Nations people have legal rights and interests.
Several First Nations players, having missed opportunities during the mining boom, are now actively seeking stakes in the renewable revolution.
Changing energy sources and decarbonising electricity is a radical transformation. Federal Climate Change and Environment Minister Chris Bowen recently called it "the biggest economic transformation our country's undertaken since the industrial revolution." At Parliament House, Mr Bowen launched the Network's Powering First Nations Jobs in Clean Energy report, stressing that Indigenous ownership in Australia's transition is essential.
"We will have failed if First Nations people are not benefiting from projects on First Nations land, and more broadly," Mr Bowen said. His comments highlight the government's shift towards meaningful Indigenous involvement, inspired by successful models in Canada, where First Nations own or are partners in over 200 clean energy projects.
Emerging government incentives, like the Capacity Investment Scheme, now include merit criteria around First Nations engagement. However, significant funding for First Nations capacity, consent, collaboration, co-design, and co-ownership is still missing from the federal budget's $23b clean energy funding. Legislative modifications could ensure First Nations consent and cultural heritage rights are legally protected.
Mr Croker believes the budget has missed an opportunity to signal to clean energy proponents that First Nations communities are vital partners. "We need to work together to ensure co-benefits and local outcomes," he told IBR. This includes Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) from First Nations communities regarding projects on their land.
Without FPIC, investment in Australia's clean energy sector is uncertain. Mr Croker notes that big investors are wary of projects lacking prior informed consent from First Nations groups. His personal involvement in solar-powered water systems in central desert communities, which have spurred Indigenous tourism, showcases the positive impacts of renewables on remote towns.
The First Nations Clean Energy Network, led by Mr Croker and Ms Nolan, aims to ensure Indigenous communities benefit from the next economic gamechanger. However, the global race to net zero is fast-paced, and navigating it requires Indigenous input at every level. Ms Nolan criticised the federal budget's $23bn Future Made in Australia Act for lacking certainty and First Nations involvement. She emphasised that Indigenous groups' territorial assets should be central to renewable strategies at both federal and state levels.
Mr Croker insists both sides of politics recognise the necessity of Indigenous co-drivers in the net-zero journey. "We're all more energised now," he says, emphasising the need for government reform, improved industry engagement, and community empowerment.
Global examples show that First Nations involvement in renewable projects is critical. "There is huge economic potential in renewable energy for our people, and for our country," Ms Nolan says. "Establishing and incentivising the right partnerships with First Nations is an investment decision."
Other advanced economies understand that emission targets must include First Nations participation. Mr Croker questions the lack of action on the ground despite the government's talk of partnerships. He stressed the importance of jobs, business, and wealth generation for Indigenous communities.
Clean energy proponents are already engaging with Indigenous organisations in renewable energy zones (REZs), but many communities lack the capacity to negotiate and ensure benefit-sharing. Mr Croker highlights the need for investment in First Nations communities to respond effectively to these developments. During a recent visit to a Native Title organisation in the Pilbara, he observed the overwhelming pressure from private investors on Indigenous groups. "They don't have the capacity to respond," he says, noting the influx of project developers and the need for support to build capacity.
Modelling shows that moving to the clean energy industry requires up to one million workers, with about 40,000 being Indigenous. Mr Croker called for investment in skills development, training, and employment for First Nations people.
"Investing in those areas will benefit the wider community and First Nations people," he says.
Professor Robynne Quiggin, a steering group member of the FNCEN and Net Zero Agency Advisory board member, stresses the importance of establishing free, prior, and informed consent (FPIC) more permanently for First Nations.
"It starts with consent," she says.
Joe Morrison, CEO of the Indigenous Land and Sea Corporation, notes that projects are de-risked when First Nations organisations are deeply involved.
"Real equity in First Nations businesses is critical," he says.
National Native Title Council chair Kado Muir highlights the opportunity for the clean energy revolution to address historic injustices by involving Traditional Owners as equity partners in projects.
Whether the renewable energy revolution can bring prosperity and self-determination for First Nations will become clearer when Mr Bowen releases the government's First Nations Clean Energy Strategy.