Community Power Agency is Australia’s leading organisation dedicated to ensuring communities actively participate in and benefit from renewable energy development.
Our expertise spans community and co-ownership models, community engagement, benefit sharing and improving biodiversity outcomes for renewable energy developments. With deep sector knowledge and a commitment to social and environmental outcomes, we work closely with communities, developers and government to foster an energy system that benefits all Australians.
Our team has a range of expertise at the intersection of energy, community development, social justice, policy and economic change. This expertise is grounded in practical skills that bring the in-depth theoretical knowledge to life. Explore our services below.
Community Power Agency offers customized workshops and training to shape renewable energy projects and community initiatives that benefit both people and the planet. We empower grassroots groups to navigate the energy transition confidently, achieving stronger outcomes for their communities. For developers and government agencies, we provide essential guidance on crafting great policies and projects that foster social license through enhancing participation.
Our consultancy services offer expert advice on the social dimensions of the renewable energy sector. We specialize in community engagement, benefit sharing, enhancing environmental outcomes, community energy and co-ownership models. Drawing on deep sector knowledge and an on ground community development approach, we ensure our advice is rooted in local experience and strikes the balance of achieving a fair and fast shift to renewables.
Policy and advocacy: As our energy system transforms to one based on clean, renewable energy, the policy and regulatory settings of the past must transform too. With deep expertise at the intersection of renewable energy development, research and advocacy, Community Power Agency is a trusted advisor to governments on policy solutions that drive socially beneficial outcomes. Our close collaboration with industry and communities provides us with unique insights to offer informed, impactful policy guidance. When we identify gaps, we advocate for policy solutions, helping shape an agenda that puts community benefit at the heart of the shift to renewable energy.
We develop innovative approaches and business models that drive a more inclusive and equitable clean energy future for all Australians. We believe that everyone — regardless of location or income — should have access to the benefits of clean energy. That’s why we collaborate with:
Our work is backed by rigorous research and evaluation, encompassing a broad spectrum of research across local and international contexts, in both urban and regional areas. From assessing social impacts to exploring financing and business model innovations, our research supports meaningful, lasting change in policy and practice.
We have a team of excellent public speakers who bring renewable energy theory and practice to life, engaging audiences at conferences, community events and in the media. With a knack for clear, impactful communication, we make complex topics both accessible and inspiring. Backed by years of facilitation experience, our team knows how to energise audiences and ignite meaningful dialogue on the social aspects of renewable energy.
We believe the benefits of renewable energy projects should reach beyond industry to create lasting, positive outcomes for surrounding communities. Our approach to benefit sharing focuses on developing frameworks that ensure fair distribution of gains. By collaborating with developers and policymakers, we help design benefit-sharing models that generate tangible outcomes. Our goal is to make the energy transition a shared opportunity, where communities are at the forefront of decision-making and play an active role in shaping their future.
Our roots are in community energy. Community Power Agency was initially established to bring the learnings from community energy projects worldwide back to Australia and activate a people centred energy transition. We believe that local, people-powered clean energy projects will bring social, environmental and economic benefits to communities across Australia. Since 2011, we’ve supported over 50 community energy groups in taking control of their energy future by developing and delivering their own clean energy projects. We advise on the technical, economic, environmental and social dimensions of community energy, ensuring that projects are viable and impactful across all areas. Our expertise spans both small-scale community initiatives and co-ownership models for large-scale renewable energy projects.
Our expertise in community engagement is grounded in both extensive practical experience and a theoretical understanding of the importance of involving communities in decision making from the beginning. We believe that genuine community engagement is essential for the success of any project. Our approach champions inclusive processes that involve the community at every stage of development. By employing a variety of tailored strategies and facilitating meaningful dialogue, we foster strong connections between developers, governments, and communities. This helps build trust, ensuring that renewable energy projects genuinely deliver positive social outcomes.
We recognise the critical importance of protecting natural ecosystems while advancing clean energy initiatives. Our expertise is focused on a community development approach to find practices that minimize environmental impact, promote biodiversity, and ensure that renewable energy projects are integrated harmoniously with nature. We take a collaborative approach to finding these solutions, ensuring they are locally tailored through the input of First Nations communities, farmers, ecologists, developers, and other key stakeholders.
