CONFERENCE AGENDA 2024

Accelerating the energy transition
Chair: Peter Cowling, Head of Australia, Mint Renewables & Chair, Clean Energy Council

Navigating the complexities of Australia’s energy transition
Brett Redman, CEO, Transgrid

Energy transition in Western Australia
Jai Thomas, Coordinator of Energy, WA, Energy Policy WA

The Victorian government’s role in the energy transition
Elizabeth Molyneux, Deputy Secretary, Energy Group, Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action

Accelerating the energy transition: Reflections from the Sunshine State
Matt Rebbeck, CEO, RES Australia

Followed by interactive panel discussion

Hosted by:

The global race for net zero
Chair: Wei Sue, Head of Strategy, Climateworks Centre

Keynote address
Frank Jotzo, Head of Energy, ANU Institute for Climate Energy & Disaster Solutions

Interactive panel discussion
Jon Jutsen, CEO, Jutsen Innovation

Jonathan Kent, Chief Projects Officer, SunCable

Dr Joel Gilmore, General Manager Regulation & Energy Policy, Iberdrola Australia

Sophie Fitzpatrick, Senior Public Affairs Manager, Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners

Hosted by:

Scaling electrification
Chair: Con Hristodoulidis, Acting Chief Policy and Impact Officer, Clean Energy Council

Driving change: The role of innovation in electrification
Dr Julia Lu, Head of Innovation & Strategy, AGL

Existing building electrification – more complex than meets the eye
Dr Kendra Wasiluk, Program Director, Net Zero and Sustainability, Monash University

How households can lead our energy transition
Kristen McDonald, Mobilisation and Engagement Manager, Rewiring Australia

How to accelerate electrification at scale
Paul Corkill, Executive Director - Policy, Programs and Industry Development, Solar Victoria

Electrification and the National Construction Code
Erica Kenna, Assistant Manager - Policy and Analysis (Energy Efficiency), Australian Building Codes Board

Followed by interactive panel discussion

Hosted by:

Developments in long duration energy storage technologies
Chair: Manuela Londoño Ferro, Business Development Lead, Raygen

Long-duration energy storage enables rapid decarbonisation and improved renewable energy utilisation
Peter Brindley, Executive Chairman, Energy Storage Industries Asia Pacific

Building for the future with long duration energy storage
Jordan Cole, Chief Commercial Officer, Hydrostor, Canada

Long duration energy storage for a dispatchable green power plant
Raja Ratnam, Managing Director, Energy Internet Corporation Australia Pty Ltd

Ensuring system security in the era of renewable energy
Marie Jordan, Executive General Manager, Network, Transgrid

Followed by interactive panel discussion

Hosted by:

EVs: Home charging and the grid
Chair: Michael Shaughnessy, Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Officer, Electric Vehicle Council

Apartments and workplaces – the application of busduct solutions in this space
Diana Ruiz Diaz, New Energy Landscape Offer Manager, Schneider Electric

A finger on the pulse of EV charging
Dean Comber, Principal Adviser Strategy & Innovation, Ergon Energy Network and Energex

Electric homes at the centre of our electricity system
Anthony Seipolt, Director, Cadency Consulting

Smart EV chargers, hot water diverters and load shifting devices - are they right for everyone?
Anne Wilson, Technical Operations Manager, SolarPlus

Is the Victorian grid ready for electric vehicles?
Dr Kazi Hasan, Senior Lecturer, RMIT University

Supported by:

Insights into battery energy storage systems
Chair: Stuart Hillen, Head of Development, Eku Energy Australia Pty Ltd

Advances in battery energy storage systems
Belinda Huang, Sales manager of APAC, Shenzhen ATESS Power Technology Co Ltd

Navigating the current market: Procurement trends in large-scale BESS projects
Jimmy Molea, Regional Business Development Director, Sungrow Australia Group

Platinum Sponsor:

Battery storage in a post-coal NEM/SWIS
Josef Tadich, Regional Director, Tesla Energy, APAC, Tesla

An update on ARENA's role supporting utility-scale storage
Carl Christiansen, Associate Director, ARENA

Enabling simplicity and flexibility in BESS projects
Shane Bannister, Head of Business Development & Project Sales, Energy APAC, Tesla

How to overcome challenges in selecting and sourcing batteries
Kara Atchison, CEO, SCM Solution Ltd

Unlocking BESS revenue potential in the NEM: Challenges and insights
Sahand Karimi, CEO, OptiGrid

Co-presenter: Mitch O'Neill, Business Development Manager, OptiGrid

How do we prepare for the future market trend of solar-BESS hybrid and standalone BESS development projects?
Jack Somers, Senior Engineering and Commissioning Manager, PCL Constructors Pacific Rim Pty Ltd

Sponsored by:

Enabling consumer participation through digital innovations
Chair: Emma Fagan, Acting Director of Distributed Energy, Clean Energy Council

Approaching cyber security threats to DER
James Sturch, Technical Director, Rest of World, SolarEdge Technologies

Online platform building in Vic to improve engagement with CER in Vic
Ruchika Deora, Head of Product, SEC Victoria

CER data exchange industry co-design
Nick Regan, Business Lead - DER Reform Delivery, AEMO

Access to real time data for consumers
Melissa McAuliffe, Executive Manager, Advocacy and Policy, Energy Consumers Australia

Followed by interactive panel discussion

Hosted by:

Supercharge Australia innovation challenge #2: Retrofit nation
A deep dive into the SuperCharge Australia - An initiative run by EnergyLab and new Energy Nexus supporting the world's biggest lithium producer, Australia, to become a hub for battery technology innovation - through a keynote and a panel.

Kirk McDonald, Project Manager, Supercharge Australia

Clayton Franklin, Electric Power Conversions Australia

Portia Rooney, Net zero Engineering Solutions

Lynelle Johnson, E Class Outboards

Derick Gyabeng, EnergyLab

Dave Budge, Jaunt

Craig Burton, REVR

Kyle Van Berendonck, Cuedo Controls

EVs and consumers
Chair: Natalie Thompson, Senior Manager – Policy, Electric Vehicle Council

The mainstreaming of EVs: The next chapter of EV policy and adoption
Dr Alina Dini, Advisory Director, Verdant Vision and Advisory Director, Verdant Vision and Co-Founder, Women of Electric Vehicles ANZ Chapter

Household EV charging: Social challenges and opportunities
Dr Kari Dahlgren, Research Fellow, Emerging Technologies Research Lab, Monash University

Australian EV market trends and predictions for energy and EV sectors in 2024
Riz Akhtar, CEO, carloop

Learnings from 50 apartment feasibility studies
Daniel Carson, Head of Electric Vehicle Charging Partnerships, Solar Choice

Supported by:

Grid connection and system strength
Chair: Christian Zuur, Director Market, Investment & Grid, Clean Energy Council

Harnessing the benefits of South Australia’s economy at 100% net renewables
Simon Emms, CEO, ElectraNet

Delivering innovation to grid connection - open access and REZs
Neil Gibbs, Director, OnLine Power

Connections reform for the energy transition
Erika Twining, Manager - Connections Reform, AEMO

Mad technologies: Fast or furious?
Inez Zheng, Grid Connection Manager, Goldwind Australia

Followed by interactive panel discussion

Hosted by:

Riding the mental health solar coaster: Leadership and well-being in a high intensity industry
Chair: Ashleigh Dalmau, Chief Operating Officer, Clean Energy Council

Share your highs and your lows; the power of vulnerability in leadership
Andy McCarthy, Founder and CEO, AJ McCarthy Consulting

Navigating complex times: Looking after ourselves in an age of uncertainty
Dr Luke Martin, Senior Specialist and Clinical Spokesperson, Beyond Blue

Panel discussion:
Moderator: Ashleigh Dalmau, Chief Operating Officer, Clean Energy Council

Panellists:
Andy McCarthy, Founder and CEO, AJ McCarthy Consulting

Dr Luke Martin, Senior Specialist and Clinical Spokesperson, Beyond Blue

Dennis Freedman, Managing Director ANZ, Aquila Clean Energy

Hosted by:

10:50am – 11:10am

24/7 TrueZero: Demand-side strategies for using 100% renewable electricity
A/Prof Dr Anna Bruce, Research Coordinator (Engineering), University of NSW

11:10am – 11:30am

Unleashing the power of consumer energy resources
Matthew van der Linden, Founder & CEO, Flow Power

11:30am – 11:50am

Putting the consumer at the heart of consumer energy resource
Stephanie Bashir, CEO, Nexa Advisory

11:50am – 12:40pm

Panel discussion: Priorities for the consumer energy resources roadmap
Chair: Rob McLeod, Senior Advisor, Policy & Research, Energy Efficiency Council

Panellists:
Helen Oakey, CEO, renew

Johanna Bowyer, Lead Analyst - Australian Electricity, IEEFA

Brian Spak, General Manager, Advocacy and Policy, Energy Consumers Australia

James Giblin, Head of DER and OT Technologies, Synergy

10:15am – 11:30am

Solar customers primed for electrification: Insights to help retailers lead the shift towards electric homes
10 CPD POINTS
This session focuses on how solar businesses can benefit from diversifying their offerings and meet the growing demand for all-electric homes in the residential sector.

Four experts from Solar Victoria will discuss ways in which solar retailers can tap into new and emerging opportunities and capitalise on the shift towards electrified homes.

Join us for a forward-looking discussion on making electrification easier for customers as we advance towards a Net Zero future.

Paul Corkill, Executive Director - Policy, Programs and Industry Development, Solar Victoria

Kate Barnes, Executive Director of the Customer Experience Digital and Delivery, Solar Victoria

Tim Renowden, Manager, Enterprise Insights, Data & Reporting, Solar Victoria

Kamal Rana, Marketing Lead, Solar Victoria

Sponsored by:

11:00am – 11:45am

Victoria’s energy policy landscape and investment state of play
Join our energy experts from the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate for the latest updates in Victorian Government energy policy landscape and the associated investment opportunities.

Chair: Pablo Schatz, Senior Project Officer Business and Industry Engagement, Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action

Panellists:
Lewis Shields, Director Energy Engagement and Facilitation, Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action

Kirrily Noonan, Director, Wholesale Markets and Energy Transition Strategy Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action

Barbara Blake, Director, Gas Substitution and Energy Efficiency, Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action

12:00pm – 12:45pm

Solar Victoria: Findings from our largest home electrification survey
Whether you’re a seasoned retailer, an entrepreneur or an industry professional, this session will help you discover the pulse of the market with the latest insights on home electrification.

Tim Renowden, Manager, Enterprise Insights, Data & Reporting, Solar Victoria

Building a competitive hydrogen sector
Chair: Anna Freeman, Policy Director, Clean Energy Council

A transition not a leap
Fiona Simon, CEO, Australian Hydrogen Council

CIP’s role in building a globally competitive hydrogen sector
Iain Pople, Vice President - Energy Transition Funds, Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners

Panel discussion
Moderator: Anna Freeman, Policy Director, Clean Energy Council

Panellists:
Fiona Simon, CEO, Australian Hydrogen Council

Panellists: Iain Pople, Vice President - Energy Transition Funds, Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners

Tim Stock, Director, Hydrogen, Renewable Fuels and Clean Energy, NSW Department of DCCEEW Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water

Rupert Maloney, Executive Director - Alternative Fuels, Clean Energy Finance Corporation

Hosted by:

Engaging with host communities on renewable energy projects
Chair: Nathan Hart, Policy Officer, Energy Generation and Storage, Clean Energy Council

REZ development and social licence in Victoria
Alistair Parker, CEO VicGrid, Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action

Navigating social licence: Planning pathways for transmission infrastructure
Michael Johnson, Director of Stakeholder Relations, Lumea (Transgrid Group)

The social licence journey: Developing one of Australia’s largest wind farm
Mark Hudson, Head of Land Tenure, Community Engagement, Marketing & Communications, WestWind Energy

Working with host communities: Community engagement practices, benefit sharing approaches and First Nations engagement/
participation Breannah Schubach, Principal, Communications and Engagement, NGH Consulting

Followed by interactive panel discussion

Hosted by:

EVs: International perspectives
Chair: Mark Stephens, Data Analyst, Electric Vehicle Council

Solving the grid problem for EV fast chargers
Dr Robert Turner, CTO & Co-founder, Kwetta
Co-presenter: Vijay Hirani, Planning Engineer, Powerco Limited

What's coming next in charging infrastructure - MegaWatt Charging (MCS) for trucks, buses, mining, ferries and aviation
Elizabeth Yeaman, Managing Director, CharIN, Australia and New Zealand

Followed by interactive panel discussion

Supported by:

How businesses and governments can benefit themselves and drivers through EVs
Chair: John Sullivan, CEO, Chargefox

How you can public, fleet, and workplace charging
Greg Schumann, Director, Green Mobility, Engie

Influencing EV charging behaviour
Scott Oster, Director, Department of Energy and Mining, South Australia Government

The pioneering spirit
Paul Swift, Zero Carbon Merri-bek Technical Lead, Merri-bek City Council

Driving to the future
Liam Brady, Senior Manager Electric Vehicles, RACV

Supporting mixed fleets
Joel Comer, Corporate Sales Manager, AU Vehicle Payments, FleetCard

Followed by interactive panel discussion

Sponsored by:

Beyond energy: The role of sector decarbonisation plans
Chair: Thomas Briault, Energy Leader NSW & ACT, Arup

Resources sector decarbonisation plan
Preet Brar, Executive General Manager, Energy from Waste, Cleanaway

Water sector decarbonisation plan
Narelle Fellowes, Manager of Sewerage Planning, Melbourne Water

Energy sector decarbonisation plan
Marie Jordan, Executive General Manager, Network, Transgrid

Followed by interactive panel discussion

Unlocking the potential of community batteries
Chair: Dr Scott Dwyer, Research Director, University of Technology Sydney

How trial network tariffs impact the potential benefits of neighbourhood batteries
Dr Shan Dora He, Research Fellow, Australian National University

Alphington community subscriber battery: Empowering local energy shouldn’t be this hard!
Graeme Martin, President, Village Power
Co-presenter: Laura Cacho, Senior Consultant, Wave Consulting

The role of community scale batteries in the energy transition: Case studies from the NEM
Dr Scott Dwyer, Research Director, University of Technology Sydney

Panel discussion: The community benefits of neighbourhood batteries
Moderator: Victoria Hart, Manager, Sustainability and Climate, Merri-bek City Council

Panellists:
Kate Clark, Program Manager, Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action

Matthew Charles-Jones, President,
Totally Renewable Yackandandah

Liam Henderson, Principal - Energy and Carbon, City of Melbourne

Heath Shakespeare, Project Manager, Indigo Power

Annika Kearton, CEO, Central Victorian Greenhouse Alliance

Improving diversity and inclusion in the energy workforce
Chair: Julian McCoy, Senior Policy Officer, Clean Energy Council

Solar Victoria – upskilling industry for a renewable nation
Anita Holt, Director, Industry Development and Technology, Solar Victoria

Inclusive transition and skills development in Gippsland
Kate Gaffney, Manager, Renewable Energy Transition, Federation University Australia

Meeting the candidate shortfall challenge
Olivia Beauchamp, Senior Consultant, Phillip Riley Group

Fostering our future renewable women and gender diverse leaders
Angela Cooney, Principal Energy Advisor, Mott MacDonald

Followed by interactive panel discussion

Hosted by:

Startups innovating in consumer energy resources & electrifying transport

Startup innovating in consumer energy resources
A panel discussion on startups & innovations focussing on consumer energy resources featuring startups, industry members and mentors.

Chair: Ruchika Deora, Head of Product, SEC Victoria

Panellists:
Mitch O’Neill, Business Development Manager, Optigrid

David Barshevski, Co-founder & Manager Director, Techko

Chris Martell, Managing Director, Diagno Energy

Laura Jones, Lead Analyst, The Australian National University

Alan Hunter, Founder/CEO, NRN

New technology that’s electrifying transport
A panel discussion on startups & innovation in the electrification of transport space.
Chair: Carly Irving-Dolan, Executive Director, Prospecta Utilities

Panellists:
Dr Shalini Divya, Co-Founder & CEO, TasmanIon

Carola Jonas, CEO & Co-Founder, Everty

Tejesh Kashyap, Policy & Research Officer, Beyond Zero Emissions

Carmen Yuen, Founder, Amped

Kerbside EV charging
Chair:
Ross de Rango, Head of Energy and Infrastructure, Electric Vehicle Council

Street-side EV charging - utilising existing network infrastructure to charge EVs
Edward David Anstee, Director, Withywindle Nominees

Public AC charging functional ubiquity
Blaise Northey, Managing Director, ChargePost

Local government's role in scaling up EV charging infrastructure
Vincent Ng, Sustainable Transport Officer, City of Kingston

Powering the future: Accelerating electric vehicle charging networks in Australia
Ed Chan, Head of Energy Advisory, Mott MacDonald

Council and CPO - best practices for how to best work with one another
Andrew Hall, Head of City Relations, JOLT

Followed by interactive panel discussion

Supported by:

Outlook for grid integration and technology
Chair: Stan Krpan PSM, CEO, Solar Victoria

Solar export flexibility and customer opportunities for market active solar
Lisa Ibro, Energy Transition Project Manager, SA Power Networks

Grid forming capability for battery inverters and its implementation in the NEM
Ander Garcia Lameiras, Grid Connection Manager, Power Electronics, Spain

Unlock the full potential of BESS with AI-enabled forecasting and optimisation
Oliver Skelding, Senior Product Manager, Wärtsilä Energy Storage & Optimisation (ES&O)
Co-presenter: David Kayanan, Business Development Manager, GEMS Software, Wärtsilä Energy Storage & Optimisation (ES&O)

Advanced inverter functionality: Paving the way to 82% renewable energy by 2030
Andros Cadavid, Strategic Development Manager, SMA Australia

Autonomous drone El Mapping: A no-brainer choice
Hugo Silva, Business Development Manager, PV Lab Australia

Data and AI drive next generation of BESS to maximize value for customers
Dr Guang Yang, CTO, HyperStrong

Platinum Sponsor:

Decarbonisation strategies for commercial buildings & businesses
Chair: Hamish McGovern, Managing Director, Northmore Gordon

Commercial solutions (distributed energy resources)

Tariff reform to drive further investment in energy storage on distribution network
Darren Gladman, Energy Policy & Regulatory Manager, SMA Australia

The transition to net zero: Challenges and opportunities for commercial & industrial (C&I) energy storage
Alan Wong, Head of Commercial, Green Peak Energy Pty Ltd

Intermittency, carbon capture, and the digital transformation of the decade
Dr Richard Watson, Research Director, Digital Frontier Partners

Leveraging commercial assets – turning distributed real estate into distributed energy resources
Liam McWhirter, General Manager Enterprise and Strategic Partners, Origin Zero

Followed by interactive panel discussion

Decarbonisation and net zero pathways

How to successfully transition zero emission bus fleets to meet public transport service requirements
Naomi Dickinson, Managing Director, Redding Consulting

Decarbonisation: Turning obligation into opportunity
Jason Good, General Manager ‑ Connected Energy, Zenith Energy

Turning carbon reduction from a cost to a profit centre with an efficient net zero glidepath
Matthew Smith, Commercial Manager, Climatech Zero

Net zero emissions certifications
Douglas Russell, Engineering Director – Energy Management, Green Energy & Carbon Management

Followed by interactive panel discussion

1:00pm – 2:00pm

MC: Amelia Jarrett, Policy Advisor, Energy Efficiency Council

Panel discussion: HEMS and flows: Using home energy management systems to unlock 100% renewables and support electrification
Chair: Jeremy Sung, Head of Policy, Energy Efficiency Council

Jonathan Leake, New Energy Projects Director, SA Power Networks

Dr Matthew Daly, Research Principal, Institute for Sustainable Futures, University of Technology Sydney

Merrily Hunter, CEO, Mac Trade Services

12:30pm – 1:30pm

Regulator round up
10 CPD POINTS

The rooftop solar and battery industry is continually evolving, and regulation must keep in step to ensure safety and quality. Hear the latest updates and future developments from the key organisations involved in regulation of the industry in Victoria and Australia.

Thomas Seymour, Chief Compliance Officer, Solar Accreditation Australia

Amanda Brown, Manager, SRES, Clean Energy Regulator

Carmen Pace, Manager, Safety, Quality & Audits, Solar Victoria

1:30pm – 2:00pm

Clean Energy Council products & NETCC updates
Technical Directorate, NETCC & Products Team, Clean Energy Council

Sponsored by:

1:00pm - 1:45pm

Transmission investment opportunities in Victoria
Join VicGrid leaders for the latest information about transmission projects underway here in Victoria.
This session will cover Victoria’s plan for transmission investments, as well as opportunities for project suppliers and service providers to support major transmission infrastructure across the state.

Chair: Monique Halliday, Executive Director Communications and Engagement, VicGrid

Panellists:

Danny Benjamin, VicGrid Executive Director Project Delivery, Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action

Laurel Yu, Director, Macquarie Group

Claire Cass, Group Manager – Victorian Network Services and Delivery, Australian Energy Market Operator

Mark Westbrook, Chief Project Officer, EnergyCo NSW

The economics of diversity
Chair: Dr Anita Talberg, Director Workforce Development, Clean Energy Council

Diversity and inclusion in the renewable energy sector: The current legal framework and business case for improvement
Briony Pole, Partner (Employment & WHS), MinterEllison

Diversity as a transition accelerator
Stephen McSweeney, Executive General Manager People and Culture, Transgrid

Small changes have massive impacts Claire Martin, Global Chair of the Gender Affinity Network & Senior Land Manager, RES

Followed by interactive panel discussion

Hosted by:

Equitable community access
Chair: Margaret Harvie, Director, PlanCom Consulting

Building community resilience through the energy transition Lyn Bowring,
Executive Director Consumer, Communities and First Peoples Energy Transition, Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action

Panel discussion: What do you see as the key barriers and opportunities for consumers, communities and local businesses to participate in the energy transition?
Moderator:
Margaret Harvie, Director, PlanCom Consulting

Panellists:
Iolanthe Gabrie,
Director, Ruby Assembly

Dan Sunderland, Executive Director, Rennie Advisory

Pia Daniells, COO, Hubble.sh

Bringing renewables to remote and regional communities Rebecca Tilbrook,
Executive Manager, Commercial, Jacana Energy

Panel discussion: What can we do to help consumers, communities and local businesses have ready and affordable access to energy?
Moderator:
Margaret Harvie, Director, PlanCom Consulting

Panellists:
Beth Brunoro, Leader, Innovation and Impact, RACE for 2030 Cooperative Research Centre

Gavin Mooney,
Managing Director, ANZ, Kaluza

Marina Cheung,
Solar and Batteries Product Owner, AGL Energy

Decarbonising liquid fuel reliant industries
Chair: James Boyle, Associate Director, Deloitte

Policy developments in a global context
Jacob Lackenby, Finance and Public Affairs Manager – ANZ, Neste Australia Pty Ltd

From fryer to fuel: Converting used cooking oil (UCO) into renewable diesel powering waste management services
Dr Jeroen Wassenaar, Head of Innovation, Cleanaway

The pathway to decarbonise transport and logistics
Heather Bone, Director, ESG

Emerging industry policy and Australia's liquid fuel market
James Boyle, Associate Director, Deloitte

Supported by:

Decarbonising the transport sector with e-fuels
Chair: Dr Amy Philbrook, Clean Fuels Technical Lead, Arup

The role of hydrogen in the transport sector
Sandra Lau, Zero Emissions Strategy, Head of Hydrogen and EV’s, Viva Energy Australia

Keynote introduction to eFuels
Dr Amy Philbrook, Clean Fuels Technical Lead, Arup

Panel discussion
Moderator:
Dr Dietmar Tourbier, Director of Energy, CSIRO

Panellists:
Dr Amy Philbrook, Clean Fuels Technical Lead, Arup

Sandra Lau, Zero Emissions Strategy, Head of Hydrogen and EV’s, Viva Energy Australia

Angela Gillham, CEO, Maritime Industry Australia

Buddhi Ranasinghe, Project Engineer, VAST

State of the corporate renewable PPA market report 2024 & emerging trends
Chair: Jackie McKeon, Program Director, Business Renewables Centre Australia & Climate-KIC

Interactive panel discussion
Megan Ward, Head of Origination and Corporate Affairs Neoen

Mark Asbjerg, Principal Consultant, Energetics ERM

Aylin Cunsolo, Partner, Baker McKenzie

Rob Law, Senior Manager, Energy Transitions, WWF-Australia

Gregor Frowein, Sustainability Manager, Asahi Beverages

Strengthening engagement with Pacific nations
Chair: Doris Spielthenner, Managing Director Australia & Regional Manager APAC, SMA Australia

Renewable energy planning for South Pacific nations: OpenCEM in Samoa
Dr Jose Zapata, Principal, Modelling and Analytics, ITP Renewable

Co-presenter: Joel Davy, Manager, Strategy and Analytics, ITP Renewables

Modelling best-fit waste and energy solutions for Pacific Small Island Developing States
Dr Jane Stanley, Director, FOCUS Pty Ltd

Renewable energy diplomacy in our region
Doris Spielthenner, Managing Director Australia & Regional Manager APAC, SMA Australia

Followed by interactive panel discussion

Electrification of buildings and precincts
Chair: Jamie Wallis, Senior Manager Buildings, Fitouts & Performance, Green Building Council of Australia

Electrifying precincts – gas free and changing times
David Clark, Director, Positive Zero

Benefits of all electric buildings in South Australia
Deborah Davidson, Director, dsquared Consulting

Electrifying apartment buildings
David Mahony, Head of Better Buildings, HIP V. HYPE

Supported by:

Breakthrough collaborations: Industry innovation with startups + pitch event

Breakthrough collaborations: Industry innovation with startups
A panel consisting of industry experts and startups discussing innovation needs as part of the energy transition, what they are looking for startups to help solve, and how they are going about it.
The panel will be followed by a pitch session with startups who are ready to partner with industry.

Chair: Megan Fisher, CEO & Director, EnergyLab

Panellists:
Nicole Jullian Sahr, Sustainability Manager, Endeavour Energy

Christine Brennan, Acting Manager of Innovation, Powerlink

Suchi Szczepanski, Senior Manager Future Energy Technology, Origin

Jack Curtis, Chief Commercial Officer, Neara

Pitch event: Industry ready startups
Hear from startups with innovative solutions who are ready to partner with industry.

Startups Pitching:
MGA Thermal Reswitch Enaxiom National Renewable Network + more

Innovation ready networking drinks
Recharge your evening with a refreshing drink and join us at EnergyLab, where innovation takes center stage!

EVs: Residential & commercial
Chair: Michael Shaughnessy, Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Officer, Electric Vehicle Council

Standalone commercial grid independent solar EV charging solutions
Joshua Portlock, Innovation Director, Electro Base Pty Ltd

Co-presenter: Sylvia Tokic, CEO, Electro Base Pty Ltd

Smart home charging
Ed Harvey, CEO, Evnex

Organisational preparedness for EV transition
Andrea Persico, Lead Consultant, Amped Consulting

Unlocking the potential: Leveraging existing electrical infrastructure for EV charging in commercial and multi-residential environments
Guy Mason, Co-Founder, Planit Charge

Leading the charge: Simplifying your EV transition
Phil Soars, C&I EV Manager, AGL

Powerlead: A plan to ‘plug in’ 5GW of CER flexibility into the NEM by 2028
Bruce Thompson, Partner, Thompillai

Supported by:

Australia’s solar supply chain opportunity
Chair: Renate Egan, Centre Director, UNSW

Interactive panel discussion
Brett Hallam, Senior Consultant, ITP Renewables

Michelle Vaqueiro Contreras, Senior Research Fellow and UNSW

Nathan Chang, Senior Research Fellow, University of New South Wales

Supported by:

Developments in energy storage
Chair: Laura Acklandiene, Business Development Lead, Raygen

From rare to abundant: The next revolution in energy storage
Thomas Nann, CEO, Allegro Energy

Ice storage – a cool alternative to batteries?
Keith Lovegrove, Managing Director, ITP Thermal

Key global and local trends in ESS technology, system design, & application
Vikram Mulye, Director of Business Development, Powin

The role of policy in de-risking storage
Jacqui Fenwick, Manager, Baringa

Followed by interactive panel discussion

Hosted by:

2:00pm – 2:20pm

Better homes & carbon: Tackling the split-incentive barrier in private rentals
Alastair Matcott, Project Manager, Green Energy Trading

2:20pm – 2:40pm

Reducing the gap between intention and action: Digital innovation to kickstart residential electrification
Julie Hirsch, Entrepreneur in Residence, AGL Energy

2:40pm – 3:00pm

Residential upgrades in apartment buildings
Amy Brand, Strategy and Culture, Let Me Be Frank

3:00pm – 3:40pm

Panel discussion: Home energy upgrades: How to upgrade 1 million + Australian homes
Chair: Belinda Whelan, Director, Strategic Projects, Climate-KIC Australia

Panellists:
Dan Cowdell, CEO, Geelong Sustainability Group

Prof Liam Smith, Director and Co-founder, BehaviourWorks Australia

Jaime Comber, Pilot Coordinator, Institute for Sustainable Futures, University of Technology Sydney

3:40pm – 4:00pm

Local government as a trusted delivery partner for household retrofits
Donna Luckman, Zero Carbon Merri-Bek Campaigns Lead, Merri-bek City Council

2:30pm – 3:15pm

Victoria’s new emergency backstop: Meeting the new requirements
10 CPD POINTS

On 1 October, Victoria introduces its emergency backstop requirements for residential solar systems.
An emergency backstop will allow AEMO, in collaboration with distribution businesses, to remotely turn down or switch off rooftop solar systems during minimum system load events to ensure the system remains reliable and stable.
Understand more about the new requirements and how to commission a solar system compliantly.
Sanaz Tabasi, Commercial Lead - Grid Stability Project, Jemena

Mary Masters, Engagement Lead, AusNet Services

Charmaine Volpe, Manager New Energy Services, CitiPower, Powercor and United Energy

3:15pm – 4:00pm

Dynamic control of solar and loads
10 CPD POINTS

Dynamic and centralised control of solar, EV charging and loads is rapidly becoming mandatory.
Is this good or bad for solar owners? What technology exists to enable control? What other "signals" exist to drive consumer behaviour and how do they combine?
In this two part session from Catch Power, Nigel Morris will provide an overview of the current National rules and how to navigate them, while Founder Jason DeJong will be interviewed live revealing the technology behind the scenes that makes it all work and answering the audience’s questions.

Nigel Morris, Head of Sales & Marketing, Catch Power

Sponsored by:

2:00pm - 2:45pm

Navigating compliance in solar, hot water and battery installation
Are you a retailer or installer? Come along to this session to gain a better understanding of the requirements and compliance standards related to PV, battery and hot water installations.

Chair: Benjamin Wright, Director, Risk Assurance & Standards, Solar Victoria

Panellists:
Carmen Pace, Manager, Safety, Quality & Audits, Solar Victoria

Aaron Cook, Technical Manager, Techsafe Australia

Michael Eggleston, Construction Inspector - Health and Safety Business Unit, WorkSafe Victoria

Sandy Atkins, ESV Compliance Officer, Energy Safe Victoria

3:00pm - 3:45pm

Planning, biodiversity and traditional owner engagement – project development considerations in Victoria
Join the Victorian Government’s Planning, Biodiversity and First Peoples’ Energy experts as they provide the latest updates on the policies, guidance and partnerships that impact Victorian renewable energy projects.

Chair: Lewis Shields, Director Energy Engagement and Facilitation, Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action

Panellists:
Colleen White, Executive Director Regions, Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action

Shawn Andrews, Principal Advisor First Peoples’ Energy, Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action

Javiera Almeida Maturana, Director, State Project Concierge, Department of Transport and Planning

Developing an offshore wind industry in Australia
Chair: Morgan Rossiter, Director - Offshore Wind, Clean Energy Council

How ports will anchor Australia's offshore wind industry
Brett Winter, CEO, GeelongPort

Will winds of change blow through the offshore energy industry in Australia?
Jens Orfelt, EVP and President - Asia-Pacific, RWE Offshore Wind

Offshore wind power in the regulatory framework supporting offshore wind, government funding opportunities and project development insights
Aylin Cunsolo, Partner, Baker McKenzie

Pioneering offshore wind energy in Australia
Anh Mai, Executive Director Offshore Wind Energy Victoria, Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action

Introduction to the Australian Centre for Offshore Wind Energy
Daniel Ierodiaconou, Associate Professor, Deakin University

Followed by interactive panel discussion

Hosted by:

Investment outlook for clean energy
Chair: Megan Aspinall, Director, Commercial Advisory & Transactions, Infrastructure, Assets & Places, KPMG

Financing energy system innovation
Zoe Parkin, Associate Director, Clean Energy Finance Corporation

Challenges and opportunities facing Australia's renewable energy industry
Tushna Antia, Renewable Energy Associate, BloombergNEF

Enabling infrastructure investment
Craig Doyle, CEO, NAIF

Victoria's energy market investment opportunities
Vanya Kumar, Executive Director Innovation and Commercial Attraction, Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action

Panel discussion
Moderator:
Megan Aspinall, Director, Commercial Advisory & Transactions, Infrastructure, Assets & Places, KPMG

Panellists:
Aiden Rohde, Associate Director, Clean Energy Finance Corporation

Tushna Antia, Renewable Energy Associate, BloombergNEF

Harnessing the potential of virtual power plants (VPPS)
Chair: Dr Sophie Adams, Research Fellow, Deakin University

How VPPs can unlock home electrification for customers
Thomas Padovani, Head of Partnerships Strategy, Origin Energy

Hydro Tasmania’s virtual power plant - real-world learnings and examples
Luc van Duinen, Product Manager, VPP, Hydro Tasmania

Aggregator DERMS: Creating end-to-end solutions for VPPs
Chris Panopoulos, Business Growth Manager, Itron

Building for scalability: The next phase of VPP growth
Tim McBride, Powerwall Business Development Manager APAC, Tesla

Virtual power plants: Real value for consumers
Glen Summers, Principal of Virtual Power Plants, AGL

Followed by interactive panel discussion

Hosted by:

Bringing long duration energy storage to market
Chair: Bill Truscott, Group Manager Customer Solutions and Emerging Technology, Origin

System needs and market signals
Ana Spataru, Policy Officer, Clean Energy Council

LDES - the best friend the grid doesn’t know about (yet)
Sara Taylor, Director - Regulatory and Government Affairs, Hydrostor

Vanadium flow batteries in utility LDES use
Zamien Sumich, Manager, VSUN Energy

Long duration storage: Turning plans into power
Ava Hancock, Head of Strategy, Upper Hunter Hydro

Solving the problem of storage in a rapidly transitioning energy market
Erin van Maanen, Executive General Manager, Strategy, Hydro Tasmania

Followed by interactive panel discussion

Hosted by:

Integrating green hydrogen into the clean energy mix
Chair: Fiona Simon, CEO, Australian Hydrogen Council

Developing Australia's hydrogen ecosystem to make hydrogen fleets a reality
Sean Blythe, Future Fuels Development Lead, Pacific Energy Australia

Hydrogen’s role in power generation: Enabling decarbonisation of power firming?
Adam Karl, Future Fuels Leader - Australia and New Zealand, AECOM

Integrating green and renewable hydrogen projects into conventional energy frameworks: Opportunities, challenges, and the role of OEMs
Mahshid Zaresharif, Hydrogen Solutions Development Manager, Siemens Energy

Powering the future: Green hydrogen & hydrogen derivatives
Matt Baumgurtel, Partner, Hamilton Locke

Followed by interactive panel discussion

Supported by:

The dynamic future of consumer energy resources
Chair:Caitlin Sears, Senior Policy Advisor, ARENA

Energy transition: Leveraging the distribution network
John Cleland, CEO, Essential Energy

Powering homes, empowering people: Unlocking demand-side participation
Maxime Di Petta, Policy Officer, Clean Energy Council

Enabling networks to manage the rapid adoption of customer DER and EV
Nathan Oxley, Chief Technology Officer, Edge Zero

Behind the meter consumer devices - impact on changing household electricity use, consumer savings and grid design
James Seymour, CEO, C4NET

Putting the ‘C’ back into CER policy
Emily Gadaleta, Senior Energy Policy Advisor, Tesla

Followed by interactive panel discussion

Hosted by:

Decarbonising heavy transport
Chair: Anna Freeman, Policy Director, Clean Energy Council

Developing Australia’s first alcohol to jet SAF plant
Mac Irvine, CFO, Jet Zero Australia

Energy transition at ports
Caryn Anderson, EGM Strategy and Planning, Port of Melbourne

Energy transition outlook for the maritime and aviation sectors
Scott Trevean, Team Lead, Hydrogen and CCUS, DNV

Qantas group climate action plan
Harry Jobberns, Senior Manager, Climate Strategy, Qantas

Followed by interactive panel discussion

Hosted by:

Made in Australia: The startup dilemma & innovations in community engagement & biodiversity for energy projects

Made in Australia: The startup dilemma
Chair: Dr Usha Iyer-Raniga, Professor, RMIT

Panellists:
Neeraj Das, Founder, Elecsome

Jack Hayes, Regional Manager, Greater Melbourne, AusIndustry

Patrick Mooney, Co-Founder & Chair, Impact Tech Ventures

David Doral, Co-Founder & CEO, Dovetail Electric Aviation

Portia Rooney, Net zero Engineering Solutions

Innovations in community engagement & biodiversity for energy projects
A panel discussion on startups & innovation in community engagement & diversity for energy projects featuring startups, industry members and mentors.

Chair:
Megan Fisher, CEO & Director, EnergyLab

Panellists:
Kate Osaze, Co-Founder, Reswitch

Tristan Place, Co-Founder, VizSpatial

Jada Andersen, Co-Founder and CTO, Xylo Systems

Ashley Clifton, Development Manager (Team Leader), ACEN Australia

EVs: High power public charging
Chair: Ross de Rango, Head of Energy and Infrastructure, Electric Vehicle Council

Kempower DC charging: Building robust charging infrastructure for the Australian EV revolution
Rebecca Prins, Partner Manager ANZ, Kempower

“Zero Amp” EV charging without battery storage
Prof Geoffrey Chan, Chief Technical Adviser, I-Charge Solutions Australia

All you need to know about an electric fleet infrastructure
Ben Savigny, Head of Channel Partnerships, Evie Networks

Public EV charging: The next big boom
Stefanie Di Trocchio, Chief Commercial Officer, Smart Ease

Followed by interactive panel discussion

Supported by:

Live video streaming from Sydney to Melbourne in an interactive setting:
Renewable electrons =/= sustainable electrons
Chairs: Patrick Hastings, Chief Impact Officer, Infrastructure Sustainability Council (Sydney) and
Dr Michelle McCann, Managing Director, PV-Lab Australia (Melbourne)

Panel discussion: Unlocking the untapped potential for social, cultural, environmental and economic benefits of renewable energy assets
Gina Pavlovic, Head of Sustainability, Endeavour Energy (Sydney)

Lloyd Clark, Environmental & Sustainability Design Manager, Meridian Energy(New Zealand)

David Gainsford, Deputy Secretary Development Assessment and Infrastructure, Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure (Sydney)

Joan Ko, Climate & Sustainability Leader – Australasia, Arup (Melbourne)

Decarbonising the transport industry
Chair: Peter Horn, Acting Deputy CEO, Trade and Investment, Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade)

Opening address and introduction to Austrade
Peter Horn, Acting Deputy CEO, Trade and Investment, Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade)

The sustainable aviation fuel opportunity for Australia’s energy industry
Stephen Forshaw, Chief Representative, Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific, Airbus

Volvo’s pathway to decarbonising heavy vehicles
Lauren Pulitano, Vice President of Public Affairs, Volvo Group

BP’s Australian operations and plans in liquid fuels
Pauline Kennedy, Low-carbon Policy and Advocacy Manager, ANZ, BP

Followed by interactive panel discussion

10:30am – 11:20am

Panel discussion: Policy for industrial decarbonisation: What has worked, what is coming and what is still needed?
Chair: Jeremy Sung, Head of Policy, Energy Efficiency Council

Panellists:
Cassandra de Stigter, Principal Advisor - Energy, Mott MacDonald

Dr Calvin Lee, Senior Analyst (Industry), Climateworks Centre

Jon Bruce, Australian Operations Team Lead, DETA Consulting

Jarrod Leak, CEO, Australian Alliance for Energy Productivity

11:20am – 11:40am

Putting energy efficiency to work in business
Cindy Arthur, Head of ESG, Australia Commercial, ANZ

10:00am – 11:30am

AS/NZS 4777.1 revision: Understand upcoming requirements for inverter installations
10 CPD POINTS

A revision of AS/NZS 4777.1: covering installation requirements of inverters, is coming soon. Understand what the key changes are and how it affects your installations, including integrating electric vehicles and testing verification.

Sandy Atkins, ESV Compliance Officer, Energy Safe Victoria

Sponsored by:

10:45am – 10:50am

Acknowledgement and introduction to First Nations sessions
Chair: Troy Pickwick, Co-founder, Good Energy Minds
Co-Chair: Dr Chivonne Algeo, Co-founder, Good Energy Minds

10:50am – 11:00am

Where business meets treaty
Dr Peter Radoll, Managing Director, Radoll & Associates Pty Ltd

11:00am – 11:10am

How First Nations people’s wisdom will build tomorrow’s equitable energy system in Australia and beyond
Michael Myer, Executive Chairperson, Sunshine Hydro

11:10am – 11:20am

Empowered communities: Understanding the place-based vision for energy
Tommy Hicks, Head of Culture and Community, Indigenous Energy Australia

11:20am – 11:30am

Walking between worlds to deliver impactful Indigenous energy outcomes
Rachelle Cooper Kulkarni, Head of Impact and Innovation, Indigenous Energy Australia

11:30am – 11:40am

Marlinja community solar and energy storage microgrid
Lauren Mellor, Clean Energy Communities Project Coordinator, Original Power

11:40am – 12:20pm

First Nations employment and training in the clean energy sector
Dr Chris Briggs, Program Leader, Energy, Institute for Sustainable Futures, University of Technology Sydney

Co-presenters:
Michelle Tjondro, Senior Associate, SGS Economics and Planning

Ruby Heard, Director, Alinga Energy Consulting

Michael Frangos, CEO, Indigenous Energy Australia

Building Australia's manufacturing prowess
Chair: Nicholas Foa, CEO, Industry Capability Network, Victoria

Silicon to solar: Motivation and opportunity of solar manufacturing in Australia
Oliver Hartley, Managing Director, Bright Dimension

Working with international manufacturers to create Australian made
David Butler, Head of Energy Business, CRRC Times Electric Australia Pty Ltd

Contracting strategy and offtake structuring innovations
Evan Day, Sustainability and Energy, CORE Markets

Supporting Victoria's clean energy future
Nicholas Foa, CEO, Industry Capability Network, Victoria

Followed by interactive panel discussion

Expanding energy professional’s toolkit: Bringing social science expertise into sustainable energy transitions
Chair: Anna Cain, Doctoral Scholar, College of Engineering, Computing and Cybernetics, Australian National University

Interactive panel discussion
Dr Kari Dahlgren, Research Fellow, Emerging Technologies Research Lab, Monash University

Dr Wendy Russell, Research Fellow, Battery Storage and Grid Integration Program, Australian National University

Dr Declan Kuch, Social Researcher, NSW Government

Dr Sangeetha Chandrashekeran, Senior Research Fellow, ARC Centre of Excellence on Children and Families Over the Lifecourse

Bec Colvin, Social Scientist and Associate Professor, Resources, Environment & Development Group, ANU Crawford School of Public Policy

Advancing the energy transition
Chair: Clare Luehman, Executive General Manager of Natural Capital, Finance, and Technology, Niche Environment and Heritage

How integrating renewables with nature positive strategies drives sustainability and profitability
Clare Luehman, Executive General Manager of Natural Capital, Finance, and Technology, Niche Environment and Heritage

Australia's energy transition: Building sovereign capability for a secure future
Richard Phillips, CEO, Lighthouse Industries

Energy transition systems
David Hill, Professor of Electrical Power and Energy Systems, Monash University

Striking the balance: Dual-Fuel systems as catalysts for early renewable adoption
Andy Sibley, CEO, Simply Energy

Norfolk Island: Energy transition case study
Kody Ponds, Director of Decarbonisation, Incite Energy

Australia’s shift to a renewable energy future
Dr Nicole Keupper-Russell, Chief Strategy Officer, 5B

How matched energy supply agreements will underpin the move to real zero carbon
Steve Hoy, CEO, Enosi Australia

Suntory Oceania’s award-winning bottling facility: How we cost-effectively targeted scope 1 and 2 neutrality
Graeme Harding, Technical Director (Process Engineering) - Energy Transition Lead, Beca

Sponsored by:

Powering progress: Empowering women in renewables through networking and insights
Chair: Bronwyn See, National Strategy & Growth Manager, CDS, Cleanaway

Interactive panel discussion
Rebecca Wardle, Co-Founder & Director, Cogency Australia

Bess Clark, CEO, TasRex

Dr Alina Dini, Advisory Director, Verdant Vision and Co-Founder, Women of Electric Vehicles ANZ Chapter

Mary Barry, CEO & Founding Director, CircularEco

Grace Stewart, Senior Development Manager, OX2

Vanyssa Ong, Project Acquisition and Development, Renewable Energy Advisory Pty Ltd

Latest developments from IEA’s solar technology collaboration programme (TCP) activities
Chair:
Ken Guthrie, Director, Sustainable Energy Transformation Pty Ltd

Interactive panel discussion
Prof Iain MacGill, Director of the Centre for Energy and Environmental Markets (CEEM), University of New South Wales

Rebecca Yang, Leader Solar Energy Application Lab, RMIT

Renate Egan, Centre Director, UNSW

Supported by:

Demand management opportunities for industrial users
Chair: Carl Hutchinson, Country Manager, Enel X Australia & New Zealand

Multi asset optimisation for C&I demand management
Owen Dransfield,
Head of Demand Flexibility, Shell Energy Australia

The lowest cost battery is the one you already own... if you’re in refrigeration!
Jamie Catt, Flexible Demand Advisor, Enel X

All stick, no carrot: Incentivising demand management in the commercial and industrial (C&I) market
Huon Hoogesteger, CEO, Smart Commercial Solar

Getting value from demand response and frequency control ancillary services (FCAS)
Tanya Denning, Partner, Baker McKenzie

It’s all about timing: Using demand flexibility to firm up renewables
Carl Hutchinson, Country Manager, Enel X Australia & New Zealand

Followed by interactive panel discussion

Full throttle: Exploring critical checks & balances for Australia’s rapid, multi-gigawatt buildout of utility solar
Chair: Simon Currie, Principal, Energy Estate

Interactive panel discussion
The Hon. Matt Kean Chair, Climate Change Authority, Former State Member for Hornsby, Former NSW Treasurer & Energy Minister

Heidi Lee, CEO, Beyond Zero Emissions

Andrew Barson, CEO Gentari Australsia

Shane Murphy, Executive General Manager Manufacturing, InfraBuild

Peter Wheale, General Manager Australia, Southeast Asia & New Zealand, Nextracker

Platinum Sponsor:

Startups shaping the future of the built environment & decarbonising the economy

Startups shaping the future of the built environment
A panel discussion on startups & innovations that are shaping the future of the built environment featuring startups, industry members and mentors.
Chair: Adam Skan, Investment Manager, Impact Ventures

Panellists:
Sam Ringwaldt, Founder & CEO, ConryTech

Vicky Featherston, Co-founder & Co-CEO, HAL Systems

Ringo Thomas, Co-Founder & CCO, CLT Toolbox

Cameron Knox, CEO, Allume Energy

Startups helping to decarbonise industry
A panel discussion on startups & innovations that are helping to decarbonise industry featuring startups, industry members and mentors.
Chair: Jackie McKeon, Program Director, Business Renewables Centre Australia & Climate-KIC

Panellists:
Prashant Parulekar, Founder & CEO, InfigoLabs

Cameron Bell, CEO, Pyrochar

Tia Collings, Co-Founder & CEO, Enaxiom

Nathan Steggel, Director & Co-Founder, Aratherm

The next frontier: Vehicles-to-grid
Chair: Umair Afzal, Program and Technical Standards Manager, Electric Vehicle Council

Australia's opportunities in electric vehicle research
Oliver Hill, Program Leader - Electric Vehicles, RACE for 2030 Cooperative Research Centre

Electric vehicles will likely drive down electricity prices: The reason why
Adrian Salinas, Knowledge Sharing Manager, Australian Renewable Energy Agency

Electric vehicles as a grid asset: From trials to mainstream integration
Nathan Brown, Managing Director, Electric Future

How 16 electric vehicles provided power to stem February's blackout in Victoria
Laura Jones, Lead Analyst, The Australian National University

Vehicle-to-grid - standards, frameworks, industry participation and future
Riccardo Pagliarella, Co-Founder, Greenergenic Inc. (Republic of South Korea)

Supported by:

Operating in the national energy market (NEM)
Chair: Dr Alison Demaria, Head of Policy and Regulation, CS Energy

NEM volatility: A curse or a blessing for battery storage?
Pan Galanis, Director of Energy Markets, Akaysha Energy

Big battery revenues in the NEM
Alex Leemon, Flexibility Markets Lead, Gridcog

BESS market operations are different to wind and solar: What you need to know
James Tetlow, CEO, Overwatch Energy

Data intensity of operating in the NEM and implications for algorithmic bidding Philippe Orhan, Project Manager, Neoen

Followed by interactive panel discussion

Hosted by:

Growing the workforce pipeline
Chair: Nicole Boldt, Strategic Projects Lead, Workforce Development, Clean Energy Council

Game on: Harnessing creativity to build tomorrow’s renewable workforce
Josh Oakley, General Manager, Floodlight Agency

The key skills gap for electrical engineers in the green hydrogen sector
Matthew Priestley, Lead Technology Translator, UNSW

Transitioning coal workers to clean energy – The Yallourn experience
Lisa Gooding, Yallourn Transition Leader, EnergyAustralia

Followed by interactive panel discussion

Hosted by:

12:00pm – 12:15pm

Chair:
Amelia Jarrett, Policy Advisor, Energy Efficiency Council

The heat pump hot water systems roadmap
Rachael Wilkinson, Senior Advisor – Government Relations, Energy Efficiency Council

12:15pm – 1:00pm

Panel discussion: Roadmap to revolution: Transforming the hot water market
Chair: Rachael Wilkinson, Senior Advisor – Government Relations, Energy Efficiency Council

Panellists:
Glenn Day, Head of Public Affairs & Engagement, Stiebel Eltron

Regan Jolly, Policy and Projects Manager, MAC Trade Services

Richard McEncroe, Consultant, Plumbing Industry Climate Action Centre

1:00pm – 1:20pm

Electrifying commercial pools: Heat pump feasibility assessment at Hornsby Aquatic and Leisure Centre
Phil Woodward, Energy Optimisation Manager, Northmore Gordon

1:20pm – 1:40pm

Hot water pathways for social housing
David Roche, Research Director – Strategic Energy Collaborations, Institute for Sustainable Futures, University of Technology Sydney

12:30pm – 1:15pm

Connecting electric vehicle charging infrastructure to AusGrid’s network
10 CPD POINTS

New EV purchases in Australia more than doubled in 2023 and EV Charging Infrastructure (EVCI) is becoming a growing source of business for electricians.
Discover the key considerations for the connection of EVCI to Ausgrid’s network for a range of solutions including public kerbside charging, pole mounted charging, residential off-street charging and private parking chargers.

Darren Fitzpatrick, Senior Development Manager EVCI, AusGrid

1:15pm – 2:00pm

DER’s impact on the ratings of busbars in switchboards
10 CPD POINTS

Busbars in switchboards are a crucial component in electrical distribution systems. Learn from the National Electrical and Communications Association (NECA) about how solar and battery installations can affect the ratings and performance of busbars.

Louis Knoops, Technical Manager, National Electrical and Communications Association

Sponsored by:

12:20pm – 12:25pm

Closing remarks and invitation to Yarning Circle
Chair: Troy Pickwick, Co-founder, Good Energy Minds
Co-Chair: Dr Chivonne Algeo, Co-founder, Good Energy Minds

12:30pm – 4:30pm

First Nations Yarning Circles
Dr Peter Radoll, Managing Director, Radoll & Associates Pty Ltd

Les Wanganeen, Aboriginal Cultural Consultant

Bruce Gorring, Principal Consultant & Founder, Generativity Co

Heavy vehicle electrification
Chair: Aman Gaur, Head of Legal, Policy & Advocacy, Electric Vehicle Council

Navigating the evolving future grid ecosystem with new assets and stakeholders
Jacqui Mills, Senior Solution Architect, Schneider Electric

The missing piece: Charging infrastructure for heavy battery electric vehicles
Marceline Overduin, Consultant, Frazer-Nash Consultancy

What can the freight sector learn from the electric bus transition?
Mark Gjerek, Director, MOV3MENT

Electrifying the future: A fireside chat on green transport innovations with EnergyAustralia and Tropic Wings
Jack Kotlyar, Head of Green Transport, EnergyAustralia and Peter Woodward, Managing Director, CaPTA Group

Supported by:

Policy drivers for decarbonisation
Chair: Professor John Thwaites AM, Chair,
Climateworks 
Centre & Monash Sustainable 
Development Institute

Spatial gas research to enable an orderly phase-out of the reticulated gas network that minimises impacts on vulnerable households and energy users
Dr Glen Currie, Program Impact Manager, Climateworks Centre within Monash Sustainable Development Institute

Land use modelling to inform policy
Jo Sanson, Program Impact Manager, Climateworks Centre within Monash Sustainable Development Institute

Net zero precincts
Dr Darren Sharp, Senior Research Fellow, Monash Sustainable 
Development Institute, Monash University

Accelerating emissions reduction in the Australian health system
Angie Bone, Associate Professor of Practice, Monash Sustainable Development Institute
Co-presenter: Stuart Pearce, Director Environment and Climate Action, Bupa Asia Pacific

Followed by interactive panel discussion

Decarbonising the manufacturing
Chair: Dr Scott Grierson, CEO/Managing Director, Valorify

Biomethane in steel making
Matthew McKenzie, Manager Energy & Carbon, BlueScope

Biomethane as a decarbonisation pathway for manufacturers
Melissa Perrow, General Manager Energy, Brickworks

How agricultural waste can deliver Australia's carbon neutral future fuel
Richard Gorman, CEO, Kalfresh Pty Ltd

Providing a decarbonisation pathway through renewable gas
Suzie Jakobovits, General Manager - Renewable Gas, Jemena

Decarbonising hard to abate sectors
Dr Scott Grierson, CEO/Managing Director, Valorify

Followed by interactive panel discussion

Supported by:

Building grid resilience: Battery energy storage systems (BESS)
Chair: Fabian Le Gay Brereton, CEO & Co-founder, Gridcog

Solving battery cell-to-cell variations to extend and enhance the operating life of a BESS (Battery Energy Storage System)
Simon Chan, Battery Systems Engineer, Brill Power

Next generation battery energy storage systems (BESS) trends
Neil Bradshaw, Director of Global Applications Engineering, HiTHIUM

Platinum Sponsor:

Role of battery energy storage systems (BESS) in the grid of the future
Dr Sankara Subramanian, Utility Market Leader, Saft Batteries

Battery energy storage systems - a new asset class
Dr Yogendra Vashishtha, Head of Future Networks, EA Technology

Designing a reliable and efficient communication network for large-scale BESS
Sever Sudakov, Solution Architect, Moxa

The rewards and challenges of co-location
Fabian Le Gay Brereton, CEO & Co-founder, Gridcog

Panel discussion:
Moderator: Fabian Le Gay Brereton, CEO & Co-founder, Gridcog

Panellists:
Jake Davies, Electrical Estimator, Monford Group

Justin Holloway, Cell Testing and Production Manager, Li S Energy

Outlook for electrification
Chair: Ana Ecerg, Manager Future Network Programs, AusNet

The power quality connection - how to overcome electrical distribution roadblocks
James DiLiberto, CEO, AZZO Pty Ltd
Co-presenter: Cara Bertram, Senior Systems Engineer, AZZO Pty Ltd

All electric precincts: Opportunities, barriers and key players
Lloyd Heathfield, Project Lead - Solar & Electrification Programs, Yarra Energy Foundation

Navigating electrification: Are we ready for commercial and heavy fleets?
Katelyn Purnell, Director, EVenergi

Reaching real zero by 2035 through renewables growth and electrification
Ray Wills, Managing Director, Future Smart Strategies

ElectriFAIRcation at AusNet
Ana Ecerg, Manager Future Network Programs, AusNet

Followed by interactive panel discussion

Meeting demands to purchase and install solar
Chair: Kate Raymond, CEO, Master Electricians Australia

Insights from Victoria’s solar homes program – unlocking the potential of solar
Stan Krpan PSM, CEO, Solar Victoria

Accelerating Australia's solar revolution: IoT and cellular technologies in rapid solar deployment
Dr Simon Willis, Director of Hardware, Redback Technologies

How a solar farm in the Northern Territory became an international pioneer delivering firm power to the grid?
Dr Victor Depoorter, Managing Director, Proa Analytics Pty Ltd

Followed by interactive panel discussion

Enhancing solar manufacturing
Chair: Hugo Silva, Business Development Manager, PV Lab Australia

How circularity can enhance local manufacturing capabilities
Megan Jones, Co-Founder, Circular PV Alliance

PV soiling: Unlocking the truths and debunking the myths behind solar maintenance and the impact of soiling on asset ROI
Joel Firth, Managing Director, Brighter Solar Cleaning

Solar panel cleaning: Breaking the myths
John Johnston, Managing Director & CEO, Solar Shine Australia Pty Ltd

How testing can enhance local manufacturing capabilities
Dr Michelle McCann, Managing Director, PV Lab Australia

Followed by interactive panel discussion

Pitch event: Breakthrough technologies

Introduction
Breccan McLeod-Lundy, CEO and Founder, Ackama

Startups Pitching:
Infigo Labs
Xylo Systems
TasmanIon
Dovetail
Optigrid
REVR
Kapture
Allegro Energy
Perl Street
EPCA

Developing net zero industrial precincts
Chair: Leigh Kennedy, General Manager – Industry and Supply Chain Development, Australian Hydrogen Council

Water for hydrogen – will there be enough to support the energy transition?
Celeste Morgan, Australasia Integrated Water Management Lead, Arup

Creating hydrogen HyWays to decarbonise heavy transport
Geoffrey Drucker, Managing Director, Countrywide Hydrogen Pty Ltd

Australia’s green superpower moment
Kylie Turner, System Lead, Sustainable Economies, Climateworks Centre

The bits in between: An ecosystems approach to achieving net zero
Saideh Kent, Program Director - Energy Sector, The Next Economy

Power system planning in a high green energy export future
Samantha Christie, Manager - Strategic Planning, AEMO

Followed by interactive panel discussion

Hosted by:

Supported by:

A renewable future made in Australia
Chair: Dr Adam Best,
Chief Scientist, CSIRO

Interactive panel discussion
Kallen Cook, Head of New Technology, Asset Development, Origin Energy

Daniela Hajkova, Development Manager, Oceanex Energy

Ben Bishop, Distribution Sales Manager, Energy Renaissance

Richard Petterson, CEO, Tindo Solar

End uses of concentrated solar power: Green fuels, industrial process heat and utility scale electricity
Chair: Michelle Farquhar, Head, Australian Industry Group

Solar thermal to support advanced sCO2 power cycles and CSP developments in China
Wes Stein, Chief Research Scientist, CSIRO

Solar thermal for industrial process heat applications
Keith Lovegrove, Managing Director, ITP Thermal

Solar thermal to support the NEM and SWIS
Craig Wood, CEO & Director, Vast Solar

Followed by interactive panel discussion

1:40pm – 2:00pm

AI in the energy transition: Building a net zero electricity system
Dr Hao Wang, Senior Lecturer, Monash University

2:00pm – 2:20pm

Energy productivity guidelines for Industry 4.0: A practical approach to enabling enterprise to deliver on the promise
Mark Atkinson, Energy Worksteam Chair, IoT Alliance Australia

2:20pm – 2:40pm

Open energy data and the applications of AI
Sam Bendat, Founder and CEO, SolvingZero

2:40pm – 3:00pm

Intuition to innovation: AI for identifying household energy savings
Pia Daniells, COO, Hubble.sh

3:00pm – 3:45pm

Panel discussion: Supercharging the energy efficiency schemes for net zero
Chair: Jeremy Sung, Head of Policy, Energy Efficiency Council

Panellists:
Kirralee Tyndall, Director, Victorian Energy Upgrades, DEECA, Victorian Government

Henry Adams, Director, Common Capital

Jo Hoatson, CEO, Creditex

Nicklas Lindewald, General Manager, Metimur Energy

2:30pm – 3:15pm

Mitigating the risk of DC arcs and rooftop fires, maximising PV yield
10 CPD POINTS

This technical masterclass will cover two essential topics for those installing and designing solar systems: risk and performance.
The first half will cover the causes of DC arcs and rooftop fires, focusing on mitigation strategies, while the second half will explore methods to enhance solar system yield by maximising production and efficiency, particularly regarding shading and mismatched PV modules.

James Sturch, Technical Director, Rest of World, SolarEdge Technologies

3:15pm – 4:00pm

Powerwall 3 installations: Optimising the install experience
10 CPD POINTS

Tesla has onboarded over 1600 solar businesses in Australia as Powerwall Certified Installers. This session will offer a comprehensive technical deep dive into the design, installation, and commissioning processes of Powerwall 3.

Kenneth Hee, Residential Engineering Manager - Energy, Tesla

Sponsored by:

4:30pm – 5:00pm

First Nations Yarning Circle outcomes and closing remarks
Chair: Troy Pickwick, Co-founder, Good Energy Minds
Co-Chair: Dr Chivonne Algeo, Co-founder, Good Energy Minds