
Energy Insiders - a RenewEconomy Podcast
Join Renew Economy founder and editor-in-chief Giles Parkinson and columnist and energy markets expert David Leitch as they discuss the week's main events - politics, solar and storage.
Latest episodes

Jun 27, 2025 • 1h 11min
The changing dynamics of battery storage
Pacific Green’s Joel Alexander on getting some of Australia’s biggest batteries to market. Plus: SEC’s Wayne Smith unplugs, and news of the week.

Jun 20, 2025 • 59min
All about electric planes
Aviation expert Adam Twidell talks electric planes, what's flying and what is coming. Plus: News of the week.

Jun 11, 2025 • 55min
Changing the grid, one Tesla battery at a time
In an exclusive interview, Tesla Energy boss Josef Tadich discusses the extraordinary progress made since the first big battery at Hornsdale, and why the technology is already there to support Australia's charge towards 100 per cent renewables.

Jun 5, 2025 • 49min
Dealing with the gas death spiral
Former regulator Ron Ben David explains why no one wants to go near the gas network "death spiral" - and suggests a solution.

May 30, 2025 • 1h 1min
Offshore wind gets ready for auction
Charles Rattray, the head of Southerly Ten, explains the value of offshore wind as the industry heads towards its first Australian auction. Plus: What do Murray Watt and Anohni and the Johnsons have in common? Nothing, really.

May 23, 2025 • 54min
The path to ultra low cost solar
Australian Renewable Energy Agency boss Darren Miller on the path to ultra low cost solar, grid forming inverters, V2G and green hydrogen. Plus: News of the week.

May 16, 2025 • 55min
"I just want energy to be boring."
Penny Sharpe, the New South Wales energy minister, is at the forefront of transitioning Australia's largest coal grid to renewable energy. She delves into the upcoming closures of coal power stations and the development of renewable energy zones. The importance of community agreements and collaboration among stakeholders is emphasized to ensure smooth transitions. Sharpe also discusses the evolving infrastructure for electric vehicles and highlights the urgency of climate action as Australia prepares for COP31, balancing optimism with the challenges ahead.

17 snips
May 9, 2025 • 57min
Tilt hones in on wind and batteries
Anthony Fowler, CEO of Tilt Renewables, shares insights on transformative wind and battery projects set to reshape New South Wales. He discusses plans for an ambitious giga-scale wind project and highlights Tilt's focus on community engagement to facilitate renewable energy development. The conversation also dives into the evolving political landscape, the recent election's impact on energy policies, and the importance of collaboration in tackling grid access and infrastructure challenges for a sustainable future.

May 1, 2025 • 56min
The view from inside the gas industry
Rick Wilkinson, a gas industry veteran from EnergyQuest and former key developer of Santos' GLNG, offers fascinating insights into Australia's gas market. He discusses the evolving gas demand amid rising renewable energy, the complexities of managing supply, and the challenges posed by seasonal fluctuations. Wilkinson also examines the implications of a potential Labor government on energy policy, contrasting Australia’s energy transition with Spain’s struggles. The interview reveals the critical role of gas in the future energy landscape while navigating economic uncertainties.

12 snips
Apr 24, 2025 • 59min
China and green steel
Jorrit Gosens, a Fellow at ANU specializing in climate policy and green steel, shares insights on China's growing demand for sustainable steel solutions. He discusses the delicate balance China faces between renewable energy development and coal reliance. Gosens emphasizes Australia's key role in exporting iron ore and the potential for green steel innovation. The conversation highlights challenges in decarbonizing the steel industry and explores exciting opportunities for collaboration in renewable energy, especially in light of the ongoing transition from fossil fuels.