Community Power Agency has launched a mentorship and investment program designed to help community groups lead the development of their own mid-scale solar and battery projects.
The Community Energy Incubator will support local organisations to plan and deliver community-led projects on the distribution network, offering mentorship, capacity building and starter funding to move groups from early concept to investment readiness.
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“Community groups are competing in a system built for big energy players, yet there’s huge momentum and demand from communities to participate in renewables themselves— and their role doesn’t have to be limited to rooftop scale,” Community Power Agency director Kim Mallee said.
“Mid-scale community energy projects are a triple win. They unlock the ‘missing middle’ of the distribution network, making use of existing, underutilised infrastructure. They put locals in the driver’s seat, giving communities the ownership and agency they’ve been calling for. And by centering community benefits and creating real opportunities for locals, these projects foster social licence.”
Despite growing interest and successful early projects, mid-scale community energy projects have struggled to take off, often falling through the cracks between small rooftop systems and large utility-scale developments.
The Community Energy Incubator aims to change that by removing barriers to participation, building technical and investment capability, and demonstrating the social licence and grid benefits of community-owned renewable energy.
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Expressions of Interest are now open for community groups, councils and local partnerships across the National Electricity Market seeking to take part in the program.
Applications close Friday, 16 January 2026.
