Australia Launches First Renewable Energy Developer Rating Scheme to Boost Transparency for Farmers and Regional Communities

Farmers and regional communities across Australia will soon have clearer, independent information about renewable energy developers seeking to build projects on their land, with the launch of the nation’s first Renewable Energy Developer Rating Scheme.

The initiative, announced by the Albanese Government, will be designed and operated in partnership with Equifax Australasia Credit Ratings Pty Ltd. It will assess large-scale renewable energy and transmission developers on their business performance and community engagement practices.

A total of 60 developers have signed up to pilot the scheme, which will begin testing ahead of its official launch in March 2026. Companies that meet minimum standards will be listed on a free public register, enhancing transparency and accountability. Developers that avoid participation or fail to meet requirements will not be included.

The model takes inspiration from successful initiatives such as New South Wales’ iCIRT scheme, which rates companies in the building sector.

Stronger Community Confidence
The scheme was a key recommendation of the 2023 Community Engagement Review, led by former Australian Energy Infrastructure Commissioner Andrew Dyer. It will assess developer integrity, governance, financial stability, and capacity for community engagement.

Equifax will work closely with federal, state, and territory governments, industry bodies, community organisations, and landholders to design and test the system.

Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen said the framework would help ensure developers engage respectfully with regional communities.

“Australian farmers and regional communities deserve straight answers and high standards,” Bowen said. “This independent rating scheme will shine a light on developer behaviour, giving landholders the information they need to make informed decisions. Good operators will be recognised, while those who fall short will need to lift their game.”

Australian Energy Infrastructure Commissioner Tony Mahar welcomed the move, describing the scheme as a step toward building confidence in the energy transition.

“Providing a transparent and credible source of information is critical for local communities,” Mahar said. “While voluntary at this stage, we encourage all developers to participate and would question any that chose not to.”

Supporting the Energy Transition
The rating scheme builds on the success of the federal government’s Capacity Investment Scheme (CIS), which incentivises better industry practices. To date, successful CIS projects have committed $805 million to community benefits and more than $14.7 billion to local content across two rounds of tenders.

Government officials said the new ratings approach will help ensure renewable energy projects are delivered in a way that reduces emissions, stabilises the grid, and delivers tangible benefits to the regions hosting Australia’s clean energy infrastructure.