Having served as chair of ARENA’s board for two previous terms, Punch has overseen significant growth at ARENA, and has been instrumental in the development of key funding programs including Hydrogen Headstart and Community Batteries Round 1.

Related article: Alinga’s Ruby Heard on equity through energy

Ruby Heard and Dr Dean Travers are joining the ARENA board for the first time.

Heard is a descendent of the Jaru people of the Kimberley, an electrical engineer and founding director of Alinga Energy Consulting, providing energy research services with a focus on affordable and sustainable off-grid systems to improve the livelihoods for Indigenous communities, and brings considerable experience in the building services and energy space.

Dr Travers has more than 25 years of experience in the energy sector across global markets in mergers and acquisitions, deal structuring, project development and operations and maintenance. He has worked across Europe, North America, Asia and Australia to develop conventional and renewable energy projects for global energy firms.

ARENA CEO Darren Miller welcomed Heard and Travers to the board, saying their experience and expertise in the energy sector will enhance its existing board and guide ARENA as it facilitates the clean energy transition.

“The ARENA board is gaining some incredible talent in Ms Heard and Dr Travers,” he said.

“ARENA is committed to ensuring First Nations People are at the forefront of the energy transition and Ms Heard’s work as Director of Alinga Energy Consulting and on the Steering Committee of the First Nations Clean Energy Network will provide an invaluable perspective for our work.”

“Dr Travers brings a wealth of experience and knowledge in working on renewable energy projects around the world that will not only help with ARENA funded projects, but also open up global collaboration opportunities,” Mr Miller said.

ARENA’s Board has overall responsibility for the operations of the agency. It is a skills-based decision-making body, responsible for recommending the Agency’s annual general funding strategy to the Minister, setting investment priorities, overseeing the running of the organisation and approving project funding.

Related article: Darren Miller reappointed for third term as ARENA CEO

ARENA also thanks its outgoing board members, Anna Matysek and John Hirjee, who have both served on ARENA’s Board for two terms.

“I’d like to thank Anna and John for their time and contributions to ARENA. Their skills and expertise along the way have helped pave the way forward for us. I wish them well in their next endeavours.” Mr Miller said.

The post Key appointments and new board members for ARENA appeared first on Energy Source & Distribution.

King will join the Transgrid Board from 5 August 2024 and is expected to be appointed to the role of chair after a short transition period.

Related article: Transgrid publishes draft report to safeguard system strength

Maycock said, “We are delighted to have someone of Grant’s calibre and experience joining the Transgrid Board.

“Grant’s extensive and highly successful career in the energy industry as well as his experience as a chair and director on regulated entities with extensive capital programs, make him a great fit for Transgrid in this period of network transformation.

“Grant’s experience at Origin Energy, including some of Australia’s largest ever capital projects, is an example of the wealth of experience he brings to the role, at such a pivotal time in the nation’s energy transition.

“As a seasoned executive and director, Grant brings more than 30-years’ experience in utilities, engineering, public policy, finance, and business. He also has a strong history in customer-focused organisations which is critically important as we work to deliver a better power system for Australian energy consumers,” Maycock said.

Outgoing chair Jerry Maycock has been at the helm of the energy giant for six years, having led the business through its transition from a State-owned corporation to its successful commercial operations today.

Reflecting on the highlights of that period, he commented that, “The transformation of the business over the past decade has been nothing short of remarkable, across both the regulated network and the contestable Lumea business, which provides grid connections and telecommunication services to the eastern seaboard.

Related article: Transgrid wins top award for drone inspections

“The thing I am most proud of though is our people who have built the business over many decades, maintaining a strong safety culture and an absolute passion for what they do.

“Transgrid achieved a great deal in the period since privatisation and has a very bright future ahead leading Australia’s energy transition. I am immensely proud to have been a part of the journey,” he said.

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HMC Capital is an ASX‑listed alternative asset manager which invests in real estate but is now setting its sights on energy transition investments.

The Energy Transition Fund will be launched over the coming months and will focus on investing in a portfolio of assets across the energy value chain, including wind, solar, battery, bio-fuels and emerging technologies.

Fundraising will commence in 2H 2024 and seek to raise up to $2 billion from institutional and wholesale investors.

The Hon. Julia Gillard AC said, “I am excited and honoured to be appointed chair of HMC’s Energy Transition Fund. Its design and HMC’s investment management capabilities will position the fund to be a genuine driver of Australia’s transition to zero net carbon by 2050.

“As Prime Minister, I devoted a great deal of my and my governments energy into fighting climate change, and this new role is a continuation of that commitment.”

Related article: Australia now has a $70 ‘shadow price’ on carbon emissions. Here’s why we won’t see a real price any time soon

HMC Capital managing director and CEO David Di Pilla said, “We are absolutely delighted that a person of Julia Gillard’s global standing and experience has agreed to chair our new fund in this sector.”

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Brooksbank has advised the Board that the time was right for the next stage of his life, moving into semi-retirement to spend more time with family.

Related article: Spotlight On: Hydro Tasmania CEO Ian Brooksbank

Hydro Tasmania chair Richard Bolt paid tribute to Brooksbank’s achievements during his tenure.

“Ian is respected and admired across the company and the energy industry. He is a skilled and compassionate leader, with a sharp business mind and deep knowledge about a sector which is undergoing a major transition,” Bolt said.

“In his time as CEO, he has set a clear strategic path for the business, driving proposals for major new generation and storage projects, delivering strong financial results and championing a significant shift in culture.

“He has been particularly adamant about the importance of safety, and it’s no coincidence that under his leadership we achieved the lowest ever rate of injuries.”

Brooksbank has worked in the energy industry for decades, including executive roles at Blue NRG and AGL, where he managed the Bayswater and Liddell Power Stations. He started at Hydro Tasmania as chief financial officer in 2019, acted in the CEO role from August 2021 and was appointed CEO in July 2022.

“I feel incredibly privileged to work with the team at Hydro Tasmania and proud of our record over these past few years,” Brooksbank said.

“We’ve positioned the business to be at the forefront of the national transition to renewables, which has the potential to deliver enormous benefits to Tasmania and to Australia.

Related article: Hydro Tasmania delivers $168m profit and safety record

“The path ahead is very exciting, but it’s time for another leader to take the reins and drive what is an ambitious agenda. And it’s time for me to slow down and spend more time with my partner and my family. Communication technology is great these days, but it’s not the same.”

A recruitment process for the new Hydro Tasmania CEO will commence in the coming weeks.

The post Ian Brooksbank to step down as Hydro Tasmania CEO appeared first on Energy Source & Distribution.

Tattarang CEO John Hartman said he was pleased that two of Australia’s highest performing energy infrastructure executives are now at the helm of Australia’s largest renewable energy operator and developer.

Related article: Lumea to connect Squadron’s Uungula Wind Farm to the grid

“Rob Wheals is highly respected for his strategic and purposeful leadership. He has a strong track record of building sustainable businesses with an inclusive, high-performance culture that drives results,” Hartman said.

“I congratulate Jason on his move to chairman. As well as operating five wind farms delivering 1.1GW, under his leadership Squadron is the only company to finance and start construction on a major wind project in Australia last year, we opened Bango Wind Farm and installed the first turbines at Clarke Creek Wind Farm.”

“Tattarang is proud of the significant role it is playing in Australia’s step-up to renewables through Squadron Energy.”

Willoughby, who was previously CEO of CWP Renewables, said as chairman he would take an active role working with regional communities where Squadron’s projects are located.

“This is a crucial time in Australia’s step-up to renewables and we will ensure that Squadron deepens its best practice approach to working with communities, so locals experience positive outcomes from the renewable energy transition and are able to contribute to it,” Willoughby said.

Wheals said Squadron Energy was committed to launching new projects that will deliver 14GW of renewable energy by 2030, the capacity of two thirds of Australia’s coal-fired power stations and enough electricity to power the equivalent of six million homes.

Related article: GE Vernova signs wind turbine supply deal with Squadron

On Monday, Squadron announced it would spearhead the establishment of a mechanism to cover future decommissioning costs, in response to requests by landowners.

While many wind farms will be extended or repowered, funds would be set aside to give landowners peace of mind that sites will be remediated, when required, decades later.

The post Squadron Energy announces new CEO and chairman appeared first on Energy Source & Distribution.

Related article: Cannon-Brookes acquires Sun Cable AAPowerLink project

Cameron Garnsworthy has been appointed managing director of SunCable Australia and Martin Hay as chief development officer of SunCable Australia.

DarwinLink is the Australian onshore component of SunCable’s flagship AAPowerLink project and includes the development of the world’s biggest integrated renewable energy zone on Powell Creek in the Barkly region of the Northern Territory, along with 800km of overhead high-voltage direct current (HVDC) transmission to the Darwin region.

The project plans to deliver up to 6GW of baseload, 24/7 renewable electricity to Darwin to underpin a new wave of green industrial development in the Northern Territory, and for export to Singapore via SunCable’s SingaporeLink project.

Both Garnsworthy and Hay have a proven track record of leading the development of large-scale energy infrastructure projects and will work alongside the experienced SunCable team to deliver the onshore renewables and storage stages of AAPowerLink.

Garnsworthy has over 20 years of global experience spanning the development, construction, and operation of over 30 solar, wind and battery projects across Australia and Europe, while Hay has previously been managing director of JUWI Renewable Energy—a leader in delivering hybrid wind, solar and battery solutions to many mines and remote communities throughout Australia.

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Jeremy Kwong-Law from Grok Ventures said, “The addition of Cameron and Martin to the SunCable team, will give us greater capacity to progress all key DarwinLink project milestones. Their extensive big project experience and demonstrated leadership will support the critical onshore components of SunCable’s flagship AAPowerLink project.”

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Related article: Record funding approved by ARENA for renewables projects

Since starting at ARENA in 2018, Miller has overseen significant growth for ARENA.
Last financial year alone saw $540 million committed to 60 projects, representing the largest amount of funding ever committed by ARENA and highlighting the importance of the public and private funding model that has worked so effectively for over a decade now.

ARENA chair Justin Punch said, “Darren has led ARENA through an unprecedented period of growth and impact in recent years, with clear strategy and outstanding execution.

“He conceived and brought to reality ARENA’s solar 30-30-30 program focusing on ultra low-cost solar, and under his leadership the agency has executed transformational large-scale battery programs, pushed into hard-to-abate industrial sectors, and designed and launched the government’s $2 billion Hydrogen Headstart program, among many other initiatives.”

Miller welcomed the opportunity of a third term as CEO.

“I am honoured to be reappointed as ARENA’s CEO for a further three years following the end of my current term next year. We’ve made a lot of progress over the past five years since I’ve been at ARENA, however, there is still much to do on the journey to net zero and I remain passionate and committed to our work,” he said.

Related article: ARENA spruiks huge potential of ultra low-cost solar

“ARENA’s success wouldn’t have happened without the skilled and committed team at ARENA. They work hard to ensure funding goes towards the most promising technologies and projects throughout Australia and share that knowledge to help accelerate the energy transition.”

The post Darren Miller reappointed for third term as ARENA CEO appeared first on Energy Source & Distribution.

Unwin replaces Zia Huque, general partner of Prime Movers Lab, which led Energy Vault’s Series C investment round.

Related article: Spotlight On: Horizon Power CEO Stephanie Unwin

Unwin is recognised as a dynamic leader within the energy and renewables sectors, and was recently named one of Western Australia’s most influential business leaders in Business News’ Power 500.

Energy Vault chair and CEO Robert Piconi said, “We are excited to welcome Stephanie, who brings to our Board a strong track record of dynamic, results-driven leadership in the energy and renewables sector.

“As we continue to accelerate deployments of Energy Vault’s suite of short, long and ultra-long energy storage solutions across the globe, we are engaging in significant growth opportunities in Australia and the broader Asia-Pacific region. Stephanie’s energy sector experience regionally, combined with her operating experience and track record of leading large enterprises through growth and transformational phases, is recognised in the industry.

Related article: Energy Vault to build BESS at Meadow Creek Solar Farm

“On behalf of the board of directors of Energy Vault, we look forward to partnering with Stephanie and her future contributions to our Board as we continue to execute our global growth plans.”

Energy Vault develops and deploys utility-scale energy storage solutions designed to transform the world’s approach to sustainable energy storage. The company’s offerings include proprietary gravity-based storage, battery storage, and green hydrogen energy storage technologies.

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Related article: CS Energy CEO Andrew Bills moves to SA Power Networks

Busine was most recently CS Energy’s executive general manager energy markets, technology and commercial, and has more than two decades’ experience in the Queensland energy sector, including previous senior leadership roles at Energex and Ergon Energy.

CS Energy xhair Adam Aspinall said Busine’s appointment came at an important time for CS Energy as it focusses on the safe and timely return to service of the joint venture owned Callide C Power Station in Central Queensland.

“Darren brings to the role a deep understanding of CS Energy’s business and the dynamic energy market it operates in,” Aspinall said.

“He has played a key role in the business diversifying into renewable energy and delivering customer-focused retail energy solutions for some of Queensland’s largest organisations.

“The CS Energy Board has appointed him following a rigorous, open market recruitment process.

“The Board is confident that Darren will lead CS Energy to deliver the reliable and affordable energy that Queenslanders expect and deserve.

“I’m particularly looking forward to working closely with Darren to safely return the Callide C units to service and to deliver improved reliable operation from the Callide B and Kogan Creek power stations.

Related article: CS Energy completes bulk of rebuild on Unit C4 at Callide

“I would like to thank Interim CEO Andrew Varvari for his commitment and leadership in guiding the business through its recent challenges.”

The post Queensland’s CS Energy appoints new CEO appeared first on Energy Source & Distribution.

Working in both the public and private sectors, Bolt has led major innovation and reform across several industries, including energy, resources, agriculture, education, economic development, and transport. He was a leading architect of the national energy market’s governance systems.

Related article: Hydro Tasmania appoints Brooksbank as CEO

Hydro Tasmania CEO Ian Brooksbank said senior executives looked forward to working closely with Bolt over what is set to be an exciting period of growth for the business.

“We have a bold vision for the role of hydro energy in powering the Tasmanian economy and in leading the national transition to renewable energy,” Brooksbank said.

“Richard’s incredible knowledge and track record in the energy sector will be invaluable in charting that course.”

Brooksbank paid tribute to outgoing Chair Grant Every-Burns, who has been on the Hydro Tasmania Board since 2012 and in the role of Chair since 2014.

“An electrical engineer by trade, Grant knows every corner of the energy industry,”  Brooksbank said.

Related article: Spotlight On: Hydro Tasmania CEO Ian Brooksbank

“He steered the company through an enormous shift in the energy sector and his passion for Tasmania as the Battery of the Nation has the put the State in prime position to capitalise on that transition.”

Brooksbank also acknowledged Every-Burns’ calm and steady leadership throughout 2015 and 2016, when the Basslink outage combined with drought, posed significant challenges for energy supply in Tasmania.

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Chaired by Australia’s former Chief Scientist Dr Alan Finkel AC, the council’s role is to provide input into Hysata’s strategy for delivering its electrolyser globally into multiple hard-to-abate customer segments including steelmaking, heavy transport, and the chemical industry.

Related article: Alan Finkel named chair of Hysata’s Global Advisory Council

O’Neill entered UK politics in 2007 as a policy advisor to George Osborne before becoming an MP in 2010. She served in several Ministerial positions before becoming Climate Change Minister and then Minister for Energy and Clean Growth where she drove the acceleration of the UK’s Net Zero policies and investments and steered the UK’s COP26 bid and agenda.

“Claire is a tremendous addition to Hysata’s Global Advisory Council. Her extensive knowledge of the renewable energy sector and first-hand experience developing energy policy will be hugely valuable in guiding Hysata’s business in Europe,” Hysata CEO Paul Barrett said.

“We have been making tremendous progress on our technology, building our team and interacting with hundreds of major customers globally. We are scaling up our technology and moving towards deployment into pilot projects and welcome Claire’s expertise to support Hysata delivering this high efficiency electrolyser to European partners.”

O’Neill has incredible passion and experience in the energy transition and is considered a global expert on sustainability and decarbonisation with a particular focus on practical action and the leading role of the private sector. As a Minister she implemented the UK’s Clean Growth Strategy, negotiated the UK’s Offshore Wind Sector Deal and brought forward the ground-breaking legislation that committed the UK to reach Net Zero emissions by 2050.

Related article: Hysata appoints Dean Dalla Valle as inaugural chair

She now co-chairs the Global Imperatives Advisory Board for the World Business Council for Sustainable Development and serves as a main Board Director for Occidental Petroleum and Climate Impact X. She is also a Senior Global Advisor for McKinsey and Company and an advisor to the international investment firm Hambro Perks.

“I am really excited to join the Hysata team. The company’s underlying tech position, clear strategy and global potential all add up to a potentially game-changing acceleration of decarbonisation solutions for the highest emitting industries,” O’Neill said.

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With more than 20 years’ experience across government and business, Ball is an Adjunct Associate Professor at Deakin Business School, has held several board and committee positions, and is currently chief economist for the Committee for Economic Development of Australia (CEDA).

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Gallagher is currently CEO of Energy Consumers Australia and brings with her over 20 years’ sector leadership, and invaluable knowledge and experience in the energy market, retail markets, and network businesses on the demand and supply side.

Gallagher has also held several executive positions in the Australian Public Service, financial sector and served on multiple boards and committees.

AER Chair Clare Savage said the appointment of Ball and Gallagher brings further consumer, technical and economic expertise that will contribute significantly to the AER’s continued work to support energy consumers.

“We’re delighted to welcome Lynne and Jarrod to our Board and look forward to them commencing their roles in coming weeks,” Savage said.

Related article: Regulator warns electricity prices to rise by 20%

“Their experience, and breadth and depth of industry knowledge is an incredible asset to the AER, and will play a pivotal role in ensuring that we continue to engage with our broad stakeholder base and achieve real outcomes for our consumers.”

Both appointments are for five years and fill the vacancies created by the resignation of Catriona Lowe and retirement of Eric Groom.

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Climate Council CEO Amanda McKenzie said, “The Climate Council has been at the forefront of pushing for climate solutions and educating the public on climate science for a decade.

Related article: Climate Council and Sarah Wilson launch ‘I Quit Gas’

“Carol joins us at an exciting time. We are growing bigger and more ambitious with every passing year and together, we will build on the vast expertise and momentum of the last decade and really ramp up our advocacy for strong and effective federal, state and territory policies on climate change.

“Our ultimate aim is to get emissions plummeting in the crucial ‘make or break’ 2020s and to position Australia as a true global leader on climate action.

“Carol brings exceptional experience as a business leader who is incredibly passionate about finding solutions to the climate crisis. Our plan to tackle the climate crisis has all the right ingredients to transform Australia’s future by putting us on a swift path to net-zero emissions.”

Related article: Climate Council launches energy savings guide and calculator

Carol Schwartz AO said, “My role is to keep supporting the fabulous work underway, and for us to collectively harness the shifts in government policy to ensure rapid and meaningful results. I am optimistic about the role Australia can play in leading the world in climate tech innovation and offering solutions that will really shift the dial towards net zero.”

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Mr Locandro was formerly vice president business technology solutions at Emirates Airlines. Before joining Emirates, Mr Locandro held a variety of executive roles at Cathay Pacific Airlines, China Light & Power, its subsidiary Yallourn Energy – AusPower and Village Roadshow.

With over 18 years’ of experience in executive IT management, Mr Locandro has a proven track record in delivering for global blue chip organisations across the world and has been widely recognised for his achievements and awarded several accolades including CIO of the year, top 100 global CIO of the year and Asia IT Innovator award.

“Joe is well placed to lead AEMO’s Technology teams with his extensive experience and cross-industry exposure. He is highly regarded for his ability to create value for organisations by identifying business opportunities using emerging technologies,” AEMO chief executive Audrey Zibelman said.

“Digital transformation is a key pillar to the success of the energy industry, Joe’s breadth and depth of expertise will drive the development of operating solutions that enable a more economically efficient, diverse, secure and reliable power system.”

Mr Locandro holds a bachelor’s degree in Economics and Commerce from University of Melbourne, a graduate diploma in Marketing from Monash University and Strategic Application of Information Technology from Stanford University Graduate School of Business. He commences his new role with AEMO in March 2018.

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