Holding Redlich advises Original Power on Australia’s first utility-scale microgrid project led by a First Nations co-operative

National law firm Holding Redlich has advised Original Power on the development of the Ngardara Solar Project, a renewable energy initiative in the Northern Territory supported by funding from the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA).

The project involves the development of a 2.1MW solar microgrid in the remote community of Borroloola, supported by an $8.347 million in grant funding commitment from ARENA under the Regional Microgrid Program’s First Nations stream. The project is being led by the Ngardara Co-operative in partnership with Original Power, a First Nations-led not-for-profit organisation working with communities on renewable energy initiatives.

Diesel generation currently provides approximately 87% of Borroloola’s electricity supply, with the project designed to reduce that reliance.

Holding Redlich advised Original Power across all stages of the project, from early procurement and structuring through to preparation for construction.

The firm’s work encompassed the full spectrum of legal services required to establish the project, including structuring the project and funding framework, advising on tax and regulatory matters, and supporting engagement with the Australian Taxation Office. The firm also prepared and negotiated a comprehensive suite of transaction documents, including project, financing and governance documentation, land access arrangements, operational policies and a bespoke power purchase arrangement tailored to the community context.

Lead partner for the firm, Jeanne Vallade, said the project brought together public funding, private capital and not-for-profit investment within a single framework. “This project involved developing a new model for delivering renewable energy in remote communities, including a hybrid financing structure and governance framework that supports community-led decision-making,” she said.

“The whole Holding Redlich team is proud to be part of Australia’s first initiative enabling clean energy autonomy for the Borroloola community, providing a replicable blueprint for Indigenous‑led energy projects nationwide.”

The Ngardara Co-operative was established by Borroloola community members to lead the development of the project, following completion of a feasibility study submitted to the Commonwealth earlier this year.

Madie Sturgess, Original Power Co-Director Clean Energy Projects said “The Ngardara Community Microgrid Project directly challenges legacy energy systems to innovate and evolve to the emerging reality that First Nations communities are seeking to drive renewable energy solutions that can overcome long-term challenges to energy access and affordability.

“Despite underdeveloped regulatory frameworks and traditionally monopolistic energy arrangements, the Ngardara Project has driven the Northern Territory energy sector to co-deliver a viable blueprint for genuine ownership and benefit of local energy futures - the democratisation of energy for communities historically excluded from the renewables transition.”

Holding Redlich’s multi-disciplinary team, led by partner Jeanne Vallade, included partners Scott Schlink (Construction), William Kontaxis (Corporate/M&A), Dhanushka Jayawardena (Tax) & Ron Eames (Property), Special Counsel Amy Pun (Corporate/M&A), senior associates Rebecca Wei (Corporate), Christabel Teo and Jin Bae (Construction) and associates Hannah Haidley & Jessica Xu, as well as lawyers Valentin de Roany & Daniel Jackson.

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