“Don’t leave us behind”
First Nations communities advocate for self-determination in clean energy transition
In a landmark effort to address energy inequities in remote First Nations communities, a new initiative called Power To Country has launched to support renewable energy solutions on homelands, developed in partnership with First Nations communities.
A collaboration between GARUWA, Original Power and Ngardara Cooperative, Power to Country aims to raise awareness about the realities of energy insecurity and its role in displacing people from homelands, whilst empowering communities to self-determine how they harness solar energy to combat energy insecurity and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
Power to Country’s flagship project seeks to raise $170,000 to establish a renewable energy system on Mumathumburru (West Island) in the remote Northern Territory. Doing so will enable Garrwa woman, Shirley Simon and her family to reconnect to power and to Country: “Solar power will bring light and life to my family’s homeland and help us return to look after our special Saltwater Country,” Shirley said.
Shirley’s family is one of many who have been forced to leave remote homelands due to the collapse of essential services. According to Karrina Nolan, ED of Original Power: “We have around 300,000 First Nations homes with unacceptable conditions in relation to accessing power. Our aim is to reform policy and power these homes with renewables, switch out diesel generators, increase the energy efficiency of households, build in climate-resilient retrofits and build a local workforce at the same time.”
Remote First Nations communities have long faced structural barriers that prevent full participation in the clean energy transition. According to recent data, remote communities in the Northern Territory experience some of the highest rates of energy insecurity in the world, exacerbated by mandated pre-paid metering arrangements in which household power disconnects when credit runs out. Coupled with a heavy reliance on diesel generators on homelands, these factors hinder remote economic development and force families off Country.
Karrina Nolan, ED of Original Power, shared her vision for the Power to Country initiative: “This is about self-determination and making sure our communities are at the centre of the renewables revolution, with clean energy that supports our connection to Country and culture.”
Genevieve Grieves, founder of GARUWA and supervising director of the short film Power To Country, available to watch on ABC iView, said: "The Power to Country initiative aims to amplify the vital work of Original Power and Ngardara Cooperative. By sharing research, analysis, and resources, we support First Nations communities to make informed decisions that reflect the long-term needs and aspirations of our people. This is about empowering our communities with the tools they need to create sustainable, self-determined futures."
Despite residing in hotspots where solar energy is abundant and viable, current funding arrangements for remote homelands are inadequate to support installation and upgrades to renewable energy systems. Power To Country aims to bridge this structural gap by raising awareness of the challenges remote homeland communities face in accessing reliable, affordable power, and advocating for significant investment in self-determined renewable energy initiatives.
Karrina Nolan said that by leveraging the power of solar, communities can gain energy independence, in a way that also incorporates the health and wellbeing of Country: “Supporting Shirley to return to her homelands will present a model for sustainable, long-term and feasible clean energy development that prioritises environment, social equity and economic resilience. From there, we will connect First Nations people with sustainable solutions, enabling communities to transition to lower cost, clean and reliable energy sources.”
"We believe that every community should have the opportunity to benefit from clean and renewable energy," said Lauren Mellor, Clean Energy Communities Coordinator at Original Power. "Through informed decision-making and self-determination, we can empower communities to achieve energy justice and create a safer climate for future generations."
Ngardara Cooperative Chair Person, Conrad Rory said: “First Nations-controlled renewable energy projects are transformative and intergenerationally healing. By investing in renewable energy for our communities and homelands, we can create a model for a sustainable future that honors Country and culture, and supports our people to protect it.”
Power To Country invites individuals, organisations, and policymakers to support equitable approaches to the clean energy transition, thereby contributing to a sustainable and just energy future, where nobody gets left behind.
Media Contact: hello@powertocountry.com
