Conference Day One - Wednesday, 11 September

View day two agenda View masterclass

08:30

Registration and welcome coffee

08:50

Opening remarks from the chair

Jill Cainey
Founder and Chief Executive Officer
Erne Energy

THE FUTURE OF WOMEN IN ENERGY & RENEWABLES

09:00

Strengthening Australia’s energy & renewables workforce: challenges, opportunities & changing the status quo

Recognising that the transition to net zero will remain elusive if half the population is relegated to the sidelines
Increasing women’s participation at all levels now and laying the foundation for the workforce of the future
Solving one of the world’s most complex problems through inclusive practices to harness the value of our collective perspectives

Anna Collyer
Chair
Australian Energy Market Commission (AEMC)

09:30

PANEL DISCUSSION: How do we create the energy workplace of the future and what part will you play as a driver of change?

What are the biggest challenges and opportunities in shaping the workplace of the future?
How can organisations foster a culture of accountability and transparency to address gender biases and discrimination?
How can we combat the flawed career pathways and limited chances for women to progress that creates a bottleneck problem for advancement?
What succession and progression plans must exist within organisations to leverage female representation in decision making positions?

Moderator:

Emily Marschke
Professional Programs & Operations Manager
The Australian Power Institute

Panellists:

Stephanie Jolly
Executive General Manager - Consumers, Policy and Markets
Australian Energy Regulator

Caroline Beattie
General Manager - Future Energy
Future Energy, APA Group

Lucy Burke
Project Engineering Manager – SA Hydrogen Jobs Plan Project
ATCO Australia

Helen Barbour-Bourne
National Hydropower Sector Lead
GHD

THE BIG PICTURE

10:10

The latest policy & regulatory trends & their impact on the sector

Exploring emerging regulatory and government policies shaping market dynamics and investment opportunities
Navigating complex policy landscapes and the collaborative opportunities for consumers, businesses, stakeholders and communities

Nicola Falcon
Group Manager Victorian Planning & Connections
Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO)

10:40

Morning tea and networking

EMPOWERING CONSUMERS IN THE RENEWABLE ENERGY TRANSITION

11:10

Keeping consumers at the centre of the energy transition

Exploring the fragmented customer journey today and the promise of tomorrow
Unlocking consumer energy on the pathway to Net Zero
The role of technology and innovation in enhancing consumer participation

Renae Gasmier
Head of Customer Assets, Customer Assets, Strategy & PMO
EnergyAustralia

11:40

Reimagining energy engagement: consumer trends and future marketing strategies

Exploring shifts in how consumers interact with energy resources
Understanding the evolving energy consumer ecosystem
Discussing innovative approaches to engage consumers effectively in the changing energy landscape
How do we market for the future?

Renate Vogt
Executive General Manager Regulation
CitiPower and Powercor

12:10

PANEL DISCUSSION: How can we build support and secure social license for the clean energy transition?

How do community acceptance, regulatory compliance, and project sustainability interact within social license?
How can we foster trust and consensus among stakeholders?
What are best practices for engaging and empowering local communities in the decision-making process?
How can we overcome challenges faced by regions hosting renewable energy infrastructure?
How can developers leave positive lasting legacies to their host communities?

Moderator:

Shahana McKenzie
Chief Executive Officer
Bioenergy Australia

Panellists:

Suzanne Westgate
General Manager of Land Property and Approvals
Transgrid

Sabiene Heindl
Chief Executive Officer
The Energy Charter

Jessica Kite
Development Director NSW
Star of the South

12:50

Networking Lunch

NAVIGATING THE SHIFTING LANDSCAPE OF THE ENERGY MIX

13:50

Power to the people: the potential of distributed energy resources & household electrification

Managing the transition through electrification and seamless integration
Maximising the economic potential and the adoption of DERs
Implementing policies, programs, and regulations for integration and uptake of DERs

Johanna Bowyer
Lead Analyst - Australian Electricity
IEEFA Asia Pacific

14:20

Destigmatising renewable energy & driving progress & career growth in renewables

Harnessing existing skills and capabilities within the energy industry
Reducing stigma of non-renewable energy experience, and transferring skills towards renewables
Channeling focus on industry experience, not type of generation/fuel

Erin Coldham
Chief Development Officer
Southerly Ten

Interactive Insights

Bring your own ideas, insights and questions as five experts lead 20-minute discussion sessions on cutting-edge topics shaping energy and renewables. This is your opportunity to have your questions answered while learning from industry leaders and your peers. Afterwards, connect with the panellists and your colleagues at our Networking Drinks function to explore ideas and opportunities in the field and build relationships in a relaxed and supporting environment.

14:50

DISCUSSION SESSION 1: Future retail: Energy-as-a-Service and beyond

Jo De Silva
General Manager Retail Policy
Australian Energy Council

15:10

Afternoon tea & networking