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Doing renewables right

The clean energy transition is one of the biggest economic opportunities since post-war reconstruction. Here's how we're helping deliver a just transition to benefit all Australians, not just a few.
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<p>Doing <br>renewables right</p>
We want to see an industry that has an abundance of well-paying jobs, has gained the consent of First Nations peoples, protects nature and provides ongoing benefits to host communities. 
We do this by enhancing environmental and planning policy and improving community engagement and benefit sharing.

Doing renewables right ensures the long-term success of the industry.

Building long-term relationships and trust with communities is key to the growth of renewables in Australia. We provide (and update as required) best practice guidelines for community engagement and benefit sharing. We also convene a Community Engagement and Social Licence Working Group, where industry professionals can stay on top of emerging issues and upskill each other.

Best Practice Charter
28 Mar 2024

Best Practice Charter

A set of commitments that signatories agree to uphold in the development of current and new clean energy projects.
Benefit Sharing Options For Renewable Energy Projects
08 Oct 2019

Benefit Sharing Options For Renewable Energy Projects

Community benefit sharing is becoming increasingly commonplace as a means to integrate renewable energy developments into local communities.

If the transition to clean energy is to be a just transition, the industry needs to build meaningful, mutually beneficial relationships with the Traditional Owners of the lands on which many renewable energy projects will be built. 

That's why we developed the first comprehensive national guide on meaningful engagement, consent, participation and benefit-sharing with First Nations peoples on renewable energy projects.

First Nations engagement guide for the renewables industry
22 Feb 2024

First Nations engagement guide for the renewables industry

The first ever comprehensive national guide on meaningful engagement, consent, participation and benefit-sharing with First Nations people on renewable energy projects is being launched today.
Energy Sharing: Clean Energy on Country
16 Feb 2024

Energy Sharing: Clean Energy on Country

Community engagement and collaboration are essential to a just energy transition, particularly with the Traditional Owners of the lands on which many renewable infrastructure projects will be built.

We are committed to improving health and safety standards, reducing waste and addressing modern slavery in clean energy supply chains. We do this by developing a culture of awareness and information sharing and holding regular meetings and conferences with industry and regulators. We also provide resources and guides for industry to address modern slavery in their supply chains.

NSW Anti-slavery Commissioner and Clean Energy Council Join Forces to Tackle Modern Slavery Risks
17 Aug 2023

NSW Anti-slavery Commissioner and Clean Energy Council Join Forces to Tackle Modern Slavery Risks

A new initiative announced today will tackle modern slavery risks in NSW's renewable energy value-chains, amid growing evidence of forced labour in the production of integral components such as polysilicon used in most solar panels and cobalt used in lithium-ion batteries.
Vast majority of wind turbines can avoid landfill in Australia
04 May 2023

Vast majority of wind turbines can avoid landfill in Australia

The first-ever report examining the reuse, repurposing and recycling of wind turbines.

Renewables don't take up much land: just two percent of Australia's landmass would be needed to create 27 times its current electricity use. 

Yet, it's important to choose the best locations to minimise environmental impacts. 

We have developed best practice guidelines for industry to help reduce environmental and biodiversity impacts, while ensuring renewables can be rolled out quickly to tackle the greatest ecological threat we face: climate change.

Best Practice Charter
28 Mar 2024

Best Practice Charter

A set of commitments that signatories agree to uphold in the development of current and new clean energy projects.
NSW draft Energy Policy Framework, including wind planning guidelines
29 Jan 2024

NSW draft Energy Policy Framework, including wind planning guidelines

Read our submission to the NSW Department of Planning and Environment.

Social licence is arguably the most important topic for renewables projects in Australia. While action on climate change is popular nationally, local opposition to regional solar farms, wind farms and transmission lines has the potential to slow Australia's clean energy transition. This working group helps drive industry-wide best practice to improve engagement and support with local communities. 

Clean Energy Council members can log in to read more:

Join the Community Engagement and Social Licence Working Group

The majority of our policy work is developed with our Members in Directorates, with smaller working groups and committees tackling specific challenges.
Dr Nicholas Aberle

POLICY AND ADVOCACY

Meet the Director

Dr Nicholas Aberle Director, Energy Generation and Storage
I am excited to be bringing my skills and experience to the CEC at this critical juncture as the industry prepares to make ever-bigger strides forward.

Become a Clean Energy Council member

As a member of the Clean Energy Council you can join our directorates and working groups, and add your voice to about 1,000 other members shaping the direction of the clean energy industry. Together, we can accelerate the energy transition and bring the benefits of renewables to all Australians.
Become a Clean Energy Council member
Events

What’s happening in renewables

Be part of the renewables movement
If your organisation is interested in accelerating the clean energy transition in Australia, register now for these upcoming events.