Key Trends in Renewable Energy Development on Tribal Lands

Tribal lands have tremendous renewable energy potential: a National Renewable Energy Laboratory study estimated tribal lands are capable of generating more than 6,000 gigawatts of solar power and almost 900 gigawatts of wind power. Tribes are developing renewable resources themselves through utility formation, community-scale projects and resiliency efforts. Renewable energy developers and utilities are increasingly looking to partner with tribes to develop renewable resources on tribal lands. This presentation will outline the unique opportunities and legal issues presented by renewable energy development on tribal lands and tribal efforts to own and control this development, and suggest ways to successfully partner with tribes.