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Tribal nations want utility-scale clean energy, but upfront costs pose a barrier

In an aerial view, the 27-MW Kayenta Solar Plant is seen in Kayenta, Arizona. The Navajo Tribal Utility Authority says the project is the “largest solar plant on any tribal land owned by its own people.” Brandon Bell via Getty Images

The Inflation Reduction Act authorized hundreds of billions in federal support to bolster clean energy projects nationwide – but interconnection queues remain backlogged, and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission’s commercial readiness requirements can require project developers to pay $5 million to remain in the queue. In addition, the alliance last month launched the Indigenous Power & Light Fund for Energy Sovereignty, with the goal of raising $100 million to fast-track tribal clean energy projects by financing upfront costs not covered by federal funding.

Alliance for Tribal Clean Energy Establishes $100 Million Fund

Here are notable new grant awards compiled by the Chronicle:$100 million commitment to the Indigenous Power and Light Fund for Energy Sovereignty, which is seeking to raise money to advance clean energy projects led by Native American tribes and Alaska Native communities.

New fund will help tribes pay for green energy projects

A new philanthropic fund has launched to help tribes pay for clean energy projects. The investment fund could help tribes unlock tens of millions in federal money. But, according to Chéri Smith with the Alliance for Tribal Clean Energy, Indigenous peoples often don’t have the money to pay for those projects’ upfront costs, like feasibility studies and permits. “It’s kind of like the feds say, ‘Hey, tribes, here’s some money, go eat at this amazing restaurant. Here’s the menu. Here’s 75 and everything on that menu is a hundred dollars or more,’” said Smith.

Alliance for Tribal Clean Energy launches $100M fund at Clinton Global Initiative

Photo: Matteo del Piano via Unsplash

The nonprofit Alliance for Tribal Clean Energy announced a $100 million energy sovereignty fund aimed at breaking down financial barriers that have long stalled tribal clean energy projects. Announced during the Clinton Global Initiative 2024 annual meeting in New York City on Tuesday, the new Indigenous Power & Light Fund for Energy Sovereignty is a collaborative effort between the Alliance and several leading philanthropic organizations, including the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation, and the Lemelson Foundation.

New fund for advancement of tribal clean energy sets $100 million goal

Alliance for Tribal Clean Energy, in collaboration with the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, William and Flora Hewlett Foundation, The Lemelson Foundation, has launched the Indigenous Power & Light Fund for Energy Sovereignty at the Clinton Global Initiative 2024 Annual Meeting, where the Fund is being featured by the Clinton Foundation as a Commitment to Action. With an initial goal of $100 million, this revolving fund has the potential to unlock billions in federal funding.

First-ever consultation with tribes on electric market issues.

FERC will consult with tribes about whether the commission should conduct a rulemaking to ease certain generation interconnection requirements for “tribal energy development organizations. The consultation via two meetings to be held in October and November are in response to a petition from the Alliance for Tribal Clean Energy. The group asked FERC to allow tribal energy organizations to be able to defer paying commercial readiness deposits for generator interconnection requests until large generator interconnection agreements are executed.

Decolonizing Energy: Indigenous Led Climate Action

What does a ‘just’ transition away from fossil fuels actually mean for Indigenous communities? At the APEC Multistakeholder Forum (AMF), organized by the Commonwealth Club World Affairs, Ray Suarez sat down with Chéri A. Smith, a renewable energy expert and Mi’kmaq descendant. They discussed how the Alliance for Tribal Clean Energy is working to combat energy poverty, bring solar to Indigenous communities and secure Native people a seat at the clean energy development table. Guest: Chéri A. Smith, founder, president and CEO of the Alliance for Tribal Clean Energy

Stantec reports $3.9 billion of 2023 revenue aligned with Sustainable Development Goals in 17th annual Sustainability Report

Stantec also announced it met the first-year terms of its Sustainability-Linked Loan and donated the accumulated savings to Indigenous-led nonprofits addressing climate action. With guidance from the Company’s Indigenous Relations teams, the following nonprofit organizations were selected to receive these donations: Alliance for Tribal Clean Energy (United States), First Nations Clean Energy Network (Australia), Indigenous Clean Energy (Canada), Indigenous Housing Partnership, Habitat for Humanity (Canada), Te Tira Whakamātaki (New Zealand).