Energy release rate (ERR) for fiber/matrix debonding in composite with local fiber clustering, subjected to axial tension, has been investigated numerically by a 3-D finite element (FE) model. In the model, broken fiber is central in a hexagonal unit which is embedded in an effective composite. Fiber/matrix debond with circular front is assumed to be originated from the fiber break. The effect of the local fiber clustering on ERR is studied by varying distance between the broken fiber and the neighboring fibers. For very short debonds as well as for long debonds (almost steady-state growth) the ERR was calculated by both the J integral and the Virtual Crack Closure Technique (VCCT). Results show that the debond growth is Mode II dominated and that the ERR strongly depends on the angular coordinate. The local fiber clustering has larger effect on the angular variation for shorter debonds and the effect increases with larger local fiber volume fraction. The results obtained from the 3-D hexagonal model are compared with those obtained previously using 5-cylinder axisymmetric model developed by the same authors. The ERR values from 5-cylinder axisymmetric model could be considered as upper bound for the 3-D hexagonal model.