First Nations Greentime Energy Group Signs 20% Share Option for 600 MW Superhybrid Project

In a ground-breaking deal, Sunshine Hydro is charting a new course in the realm of clean energy development by prioritising long-term First Nations partnerships.

Historically, Indigenous groups in Australia have seen minimal benefits from the wealth generated by resource development projects. However, starting with the multi-billion-dollar project Djandori Gung-i, “Spirit in the Water”, Sunshine Hydro is re-writing this narrative.

Sunshine Hydro Board consists of experienced entrepreneurs with a stringent set of values. First Nations inclusion is one of the non-negotiables, among community benefits and sustainability. Every project starts by getting to know and listening to local people. Such genuine engagement created the environment in which Tony Martens and Ash Martens felt encouraged to approach the Board about obtaining a long-term interest in Djandori Gung-i project.

Tony and Ash Martens are founders of Australian Training Works Group (ATW), a company recognized as the Best Indigenous Business in Queensland at the 2024 Telstra Awards. ATW was founded to address the challenge of Indigenous youth transitioning from school to meaningful employment or further education. They have since expanded to a full range employment services company for both Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians.

Most significantly ATW has had a team of First Nations employees, apprentices and trainees working full-time on the Kidston pumped hydro project being developed by Genex (you can learn more about it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KV4W_FcnTrY).

Earlier this year Tony and Ash proposed to acquire an equity stake in Djandori Gung-i. The Sunshine Hydro Board embraced the initiative and First Nations Greentime Energy Group (FNGEG) was established to hold an option agreement for 20% shareholding of the project.

This collaboration goes beyond a mere business arrangement; it signifies a harmonious alliance where white fella entrepreneurs join hands with black fella entrepreneurs. The partnership seeks to enable intergenerational wealth and equity for First Nations people.

Djandori Gung-i project is strategically located in Miriam Vale QLD, south of the industrial hub and port of Gladstone. It involves 600 MW pumped hydro station and facilities to produce 600 t of green e-methanol per day. These assets are part of an innovative Superhybrid TM concept, that utilises purpose-built software called AESOP and converts renewable energy into 24/7 carbon-free electricity and green fuels. The project was originally called Flavian but last year it was renamed in Gurang language as Djandori Gung-i, meaning “Spirit in the Water”.

As an early-stage developer, Sunshine Hydro is actively seeking partnerships with global clean energy companies. Their strong connection to local communities and the social license has been well-received in these discussions. Prospective partners have acknowledged and applauded Sunshine Hydro’s commitment to sharing wealth-creating opportunities with First Nations communities and the intention to replicate this model in all future projects as well.

While Indigenous ownership of renewable energy projects is commonplace in Canada, where typically 20% of the clean energy developments are owned by First Nations people, in Australia such arrangement is trailblazing. Sunshine Hydro’s commitment to working with First Nations partners as long-term stakeholders in all current and future projects aims to rectify the historical imbalance in wealth distribution within Australia's resource-driven economy.

What the two sides to this agreement are seeking to achieve is that proponents of all future clean energy developments in Australia walk hand in hand with First Nations proponents as equals and that future benefits are shared equitably.