The Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) has launched the Regional Microgrids Program with $125 million in funding that will help develop and deploy microgrid technologies across regional and remote communities.
The program has an allocated $75 million grant to support microgrid projects in First Nations communities. This adds to ARENA’s former $50 million Regional Australia Microgrid Pilots Program.
Electricity provision in remote First Nations communities is heavily reliant on diesel, which is unreliable, expensive, and emissions-intensive, according to ARENA.
The First Nations Microgrids Stream is intended to deliver cleaner, cheaper, and more reliable energy and empower First Nations communities to participate in their electricity supply arrangements and the development of energy infrastructure.
The funding follows amendments to the National Agreement for Closing the Gap to include new standards for the provision of essential services, ARENA said in a media release.
Microgrid projects under the First Nations Microgrids Stream will be developed in consultation with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander groups, First Nations renewable energy experts and state and territory governments across Australia.
ARENA CEO Darren Miller said the funding will help First Nations communities tap into renewable energy and build on ARENA’s existing and ongoing work in renewable energy microgrids.
“It’s 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,” said Miller.
“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.”
Applications for the program will run until December 2025 or until funds run out. For more information, visit ARENA’s program page.
