Energy Insiders - a RenewEconomy Podcast

Chris Thompson, co-founder of Amber, shares insights on vehicle-to-grid trials and the impact of household battery adoption. Andrew Bray, CEO of the Renewable Energy Alliance, emphasizes the necessity of social licence and community engagement for renewable energy projects. Emily Sims, Senior Strategic Planner, discusses Uralla’s proactive approach to local planning and the benefits of large-scale renewable developments. Together, they explore how regional leadership and transparent communication can drive a successful energy transition.

Pablo Koziner, Chief Commercial Officer at GE Vernova, shares insights into the evolving landscape of energy. He discusses Australia's pivotal role in the global energy transition and explores advancements in wind energy, highlighting the use of AI and robotics to enhance efficiency. Pablo also reveals strategies for managing project demand in gas turbines and details on the development of 300MW small modular reactors in Canada. He further elaborates on how data centers will increasingly rely on a combination of gas, batteries, and SMRs to meet future energy demands.

Fortescue CEO Dino Otranto discusses triumphs and challenges in real zero target, including self-lifting turbines, gravity trains, electric haul trucks and the rest. Plus: Queensland and Origin fossil up.

Powerlink CEO Paul Simshauser on managing the closure of Queensland's biggest coal generator, the role of transmission as prices double, and batteries vs syncons.

Chris Bowen, Australia’s Federal Minister for Climate Change and Energy, dives into pressing energy issues. He discusses the accelerated closure of the Gladstone coal station and its impact on renewable investment in Queensland. Bowen explains the Capacity Investment Scheme's role in achieving 82% renewables by 2030 and outlines federal support for decarbonization projects. He also addresses the importance of electric vehicle incentives and international climate politics, highlighting Australia’s ambitions in global discussions.

Anna Skarbek, a decarbonisation policy expert at ClimateWorks Centre, discusses Australia's ambitious 2035 emissions target and the crucial role of various sectors in achieving net-zero. Jane Butler, from AGL, reveals insights into their innovative vehicle-to-grid (V2G) trials and the barriers to scaling this technology. The conversation dives into energy efficiency, the integration of EVs, and the potential for Australia to export green technologies. They also touch on China's new emissions commitments and their global implications.

CCA’s Matt Kean on why target had to be lowered. Plus: Offshore wind pioneer Andy Evans on Victoria’s delayed auction, and a very big battery tender.

Pep Canadell, Chief Research Scientist at CSIRO and executive director of the Global Carbon Project, emphasizes the need for high climate targets by 2035. He discusses how reduced aerosols reveal hidden warming, the weakening of carbon sinks, and the alarming rate of ocean heat uptake. Canadell highlights the critical differences between 1.5°C and 2°C warming, advocates for ambitious decarbonisation strategies, and argues that now is the time to act to manage climate impacts. He also warns against the politicization of climate science.

SAPN boss Andrew Bills on the challenges of managing the local network in the world's most advanced renewable grid, and where half of all homes have rooftop solar.

Damien Nicks, CEO of AGL, discusses the challenges of transitioning from coal to renewables at Australia’s largest coal generator. He outlines AGL's climate strategy and the balancing act of reliability and sustainability. Nicks shares insights on innovative battery technologies, the importance of wind farm financing, and upcoming projects. He also highlights AGL’s investment in electric homes and the necessity for strong policies to support pumped hydro development, as well as the evolving landscape of Australia’s renewable energy sector.