Energy Insiders - a RenewEconomy Podcast Origin CEO Frank Calabria's big energy vision
Dec 1, 2025
Frank Calabria, CEO of Origin Energy, shares insights on Australia's energy landscape. He discusses ambitious plans for the largest wind farm and battery, as well as the complexities surrounding coal generation. Calabria highlights the importance of electrification, the evolving retail market shaped by EV adoption, and the rise of virtual power plants. He addresses the challenges of transitioning from coal and the need for reliable, transparent energy products while advocating for stable policies to encourage investment.
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Araring Closure Tied To System Readiness
- Origin's Araring closure remains planned for August 2027 as the base case but timing depends on system readiness.
- Frank Calabria says replacement energy and capacity have been slower than expected, so timing must match reliability needs.
Storage Over PPAs During Transition
- Origin prioritised storage investment and development control rather than buying many PPAs amid market and takeover uncertainty.
- Calabria argues rooftop solar growth and transmission delays changed where Origin allocated capital toward storage and wind development.
Develop Then Recycle Capital
- Develop large projects to FID then recycle capital by selling stakes post-construction.
- Calabria says Origin will develop Yancoal Delta, secure offtake, then move most of it off balance sheet to fund more projects.