CONGRESS 2017
Where ideas, people and projects came together to shape the sector
The 2017 Community Energy Congress, held at Melbourne Town Hall, brought together more than 600 people from across Australia to strengthen and celebrate the growing community energy sector. Organised by the Coalition for Community Energy (C4CE), the Congress is recognised as the premier national gathering for groups, organisations and individuals working to build locally owned renewable energy projects.
Grassroots community energy enterprises — now numbering more than 90 nationwide — came together to share knowledge, build partnerships and explore practical ways to increase local energy security, support regional development, reduce emissions and advance a just energy transition. The Congress catered to a wide audience: experienced practitioners, emerging groups, people considering starting a project, and organisations such as developers, councils, network companies, NGOs, regulators, lawyers and financiers.
The event was designed as an interactive, collaborative experience rather than a series of presentations. Participants engaged in workshops, masterclasses, business model training, off‑site sessions and discussions focused on overcoming key barriers. Policy makers and mainstream energy actors had the opportunity to learn how to work more effectively with community innovators.
The 2017 Congress built momentum across the sector, inspiring new projects, strengthening networks and reaffirming the vital role of community leadership in Australia’s renewable energy future.
