CORENA (Citizens Own Renewable Energy Network Australia)
Empowering community organisations to cut emissions and costs through a revolving fund that delivers clean energy upgrades and lasting climate impact.
CORENA empowers local organisations to reduce carbon emissions by funding solar, EVs, and energy-efficiency upgrades through a unique revolving loan fund. With over 60 projects already funded, CORENA delivers expert technical support and reinvests repaid loans into future initiatives – multiplying environmental and social impact. Their model helps aged care homes, disability services, and community centres lower emissions, cut energy costs, and improve wellbeing in under-resourced communities.
2025 Pitch
Funds Raised: $76,200
Pitched at Healthy People Healthy Planet event for funding to support new energy projects through its revolving loan fund, helping grassroots community organisations reduce emissions and build resilience to climate change. At the same time, funding will support critical operational capacity, enabling CORENA’s Head of Operations to expand project delivery and provide technical assistance to non-profits across Australia. This dual investment in project impact and organisational growth will help scale CORENA’s capacity and move it toward financial self-sufficiency, while delivering measurable environmental and social benefits to disadvantaged communities.
6 Month Impact
12 Month Impact
The funding was allocated equally across two key areas:
Staff Wages (50%): Supported the wages of a dedicated staff member to engage with applicants, assess loan suitability, provide guidance during application, and assist recipients post-approval, ensuring effective reach and implementation of the loan program.
Fair Food Van Project (50%): Provided as a loan toward purchasing an electric vehicle (EV) van for CERES Fair Food's low-emissions grocery delivery operations in Melbourne. This supports 150+ local farmers, creates job opportunities for new migrants, funds CERES' environmental education programs, and reduces operating costs and environmental impact while serving as a practical case study for refrigerated EV transport. The EV transition reduces operating and fuel costs while lowering the delivery service's environmental impact.
Impact Story:
CERES Food Fair has been trying for a few years to switch to more energy efficient refrigerated delivery vans. The interest free loan through CORENA, raised from funds at TFN’s event supported the purchasing of CERES Fair Food’s new refrigerated electric van.
“Clean energy is critical to Australia’s future and many social enterprises are leading the way. Your loan for our electrified fleet is fantastic and appreciated by both customers and the community.” Board Member, CERES
