The Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) launched the Regional Microgrids Program, allocating $125 million in funding to develop and deploy renewable energy in First Nation communities.
The new Program will provide $75 million for First Nations microgrid projects.
The First Nations Community Microgrids Stream intends to provide greener, cheaper, and more reliable energy while empowering First Nations communities to participate in their electrical supply agreements and energy infrastructure development.
According to ARENA, the funding follows the National Agreement for Closing the Gap changes that include new requirements for delivering critical services.
The First Nations Community Microgrids Stream will build microgrid projects in collaboration with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, First Nations renewable energy experts, and state and territory governments across Australia.
The Program guidelines were established in collaboration with various stakeholders, including the National Indigenous Australians Agency (NIAA) and representatives from other First Nations groups.
ARENA noted that both Program Streams will work to remove any remaining hurdles to final investment and full deployment of microgrid solutions.
According to ARENA CEO Darren Miller, the funding will assist First Nations communities in accessing renewable energy while expanding ARENA’s existing and ongoing work in renewable energy microgrids.
“It is vital we make sure Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people living in remote communities are able to participate in the electricity transition and share in the benefits of Australia’s renewable future,” Miller said.
Miller stated that the new funding aims to overcome barriers to broader deployment of microgrid solutions in remote communities struggling with transitioning to renewable energy sources.
“ARENA’s strong track record in supporting the deployment of complex and emerging renewable energy projects means we are well placed to work with developers and First Nations communities to bring the energy transition to remote Australia,” he added.
The Program also includes ARENA’s $50 million Regional Australia Microgrid Pilots Program (RAMPP), bringing the total funding pool for the Regional Microgrids Program to $125 million across both streams.
Applications are now open and will run until December 2025 or until funding runs out.
