As the nation's energy systems shift to clean, renewable forms of power, First Nations peoples are positioned to be central to the transition and benefit from it.

It makes the third First Nations Clean Energy Symposium on Kabi Kabi Country (Sunshine Coast) from August 14-15 an integral convention to develop and advance Indigenous engagement in Australia's shift to renewables.

Registrations are now open for the two-day gathering hosted by the First Nations Clean Energy Network and Indigenous Land and Sea Corporation, which carries the theme 'Powering On'.

The gathering promises to be crucial for the industry, and follows the Federal Government launching its long-awaited First Nations Clean Energy Strategy in December – backed by funding of $70 million – that earmarked six main targets that would help place Indigenous interests front and centre of the race to net zero to 2050.

Driven by the principles of free, prior and informed consent, as well as partnership and respect, the symposium will host First Nations leaders, Traditional Owners, communities, government, unions, academics, community organisations, industry representatives and trailblazers, and allies, who all are driving outcomes for First Nations advancement in the clean energy space.

Attendees can participate in a series of case studies, workshops, breakout sessions and discussion forums, focused on knowledge, skill and strategy sharing, solving big challenges and unlocking opportunities, and shaping better policy and regulatory frameworks.

The ILSC and FNCEN will again create a space for attendees to connect, collaborate and move to the next chapter of the transition, one grounded in self-determination, equity, and care for Country, while championing current and future clean energy projects that respect Country, create jobs, build partnerships, and centre First Nations rights.

There will be plenty of invaluable networking opportunities during the two days, as well as two main gathering events: a Welcome Reception on Wednesday August 13, and a Symposium Dinner on the final Thursday night.

The ILSC recently released an overview guide of the energy sector from a First Nations perspective, examining the rights and interests of Indigenous people in the renewable energy transition.

The guide gives an overview of government programs where First Nations people now have opportunities to gain benefits, including the government's Capacity Investment Scheme, Future Made In Australia, Net Zero Economy Authority, and ARENA's Regional Microgrids Program.

Opportunities ahead are also identified, helping guide further acceleration of First Nations partnerships in clean energy development and co-ownership of projects.

"The development and placement of renewable energy projects and infrastructure on land and sea Country represents a significant economic development opportunity," the guide stated.

Many of the challenges First Nations face are also previewed, including historical exclusion from energy planning, land use and regulatory barriers, and roadblocks to economic development and capital access, such as securing funding, resources and informed, decision-making support.

The First Nations Clean Energy Network has been instrumental in championing and driving a majority of Indigenous renewable projects across Australia.

Last week it ran the third of its series of 'Powering Up' workshops, in Rockhampton, which united 20 First Nations leaders in clean energy development hot spots to discuss opportunities, barriers and solutions in the current climate.

FNCEN chair Karrina Nolan said for First Nations to gain benefit in this clean energy transition, they needed to feel the opportunity was real.

"Part of our job is articulating back to industry and government what we need, and what we expect from the transition," she said.

"Industry and government realise they can't do the transition without us."

Workshop participants identified what was needed for communities to be resourced, to benefit at a household level, and to have equity by being proponents, instead of passive recipients, of projects on Country.

With the government focused on reducing emissions, and with more than half of the nation's clean energy projects on land and sea with First Nations rights, it was time for communities to think about what they wanted from the transition, she said.

Several funding opportunities have been made available to assist First Nations households, communities and businesses in the transition to renewable energy, with many initiatives closing soon. Information about these opportunities is available online.

To register for the 3rd First Nations Clean Energy Symposium, visit the FNCEN website or contact symposium secretariat, Georgia Perillo, on 0466 747 910 or via event@firstnationscleanenergy.org.au.