A Conversation with Navajo Power on Leading the Transition to Renewable Energy in Tribal Communities

By Constance Thompson
January 11, 2022

In 2018, a group of Native entrepreneurs founded Navajo Power, a Public Benefit Corporation that develops utility-scale clean energy projects on tribal lands. Navajo Power is organized around the company’s core principles, which include a mission to maximize the community benefits of its projects, democratize clean energy for all, and weave respect and cultural competency into every aspect of the development process.

Today, Navajo Power is thriving and making remarkable progress on its mission to bring affordable, reliable renewable energy to tribal communities. The American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE) is immensely proud to have Navajo Power in our first cohort of Accelerate members.

Join us for a conversation with Navajo Power’s Founder and Executive Chairman Brett Isaac, and Founder and Managing Director Clara Pratte. These trailblazing leaders shared their insights on everything from how to maximize community benefits and earn community support for renewable projects, to common misconceptions the clean energy industry has about Native culture, to the future of Navajo Power.

Introduction to Navajo Power

During the fireside chat, Pratte and Issac shared how Navajo Power’s commitment to building upon a structure of progress to build energy access, has given voice to tribal nations and advanced their policy priorities.

Later in the conversation, the Navajo Power leaders highlighted their company’s progress toward transitioning tribal communities to a sustainable renewable energy economy.

The fireside chat concluded with Isaac and Pratte looking ahead toward the future of Navajo Power and identifying ways the ACORE community can support their work.

Navajo Power is an inaugural member of ACORE’s Accelerate program, which seeks to build opportunities and accelerate the success of early-stage women and BIPOC-owned renewable energy companies.

Learn more about Accelerate member companies and apply to join the next cohort of Accelerate members here.

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