Many large solar PV projects cross over First Nations land, and the representative body the First Nations Clean Energy Network (FNCEN) says that “proper and meaningful engagement with First Nations will be essential for the success of the renewable energy sector.”
If Australia does not want to lose its international competitiveness as a renewables producer, the government will have to invest AU$100 billion (US$64 billion) in the next ten years, according to the sector's trade body the Clean Energy Council.
New South Wales has submitted an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for its Central-West Orana Renewable Energy Zone (REZ), making it the first REZ to reach the development “milestone”.
The Australian National Electricity Market (NEM) faces reliability issues over the next 10 years as coal plants retire and investment in renewables generation and storage continues to lag, according to the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO).
The Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) has announced a new round of funding to develop and deploy microgrid technologies across regional and remote communities, including a majority of it allocated for microgrid projects in First Nations communities.