Energy Insiders - a RenewEconomy Podcast

Nicola Falcon, a senior executive at AEMO, leads the conversation on the 2026 Integrated System Plan with her insights on transitioning to renewable energy. She highlights that baseload power isn’t necessary for grid stability, addressing the rapid growth of batteries and their role in complementing solar energy. The discussion covers the pressing need for increased renewable capacity by 2030, challenges posed by Queensland's coal policies, and the critical importance of transmission networks in realizing significant consumer savings. Falcon also emphasizes the contributions of household resources like rooftop PV and EVs.

Bruce Miller, an electrical engineer specializing in energy systems, discusses the future of grid stability without reliance on spinning machines. He illustrates the role of inverters and highlights the need for trials to enhance operator confidence. Helen Haines, an independent MP, emphasizes the importance of early community engagement in renewable projects, advocating for fair benefits and electricity discounts for regional areas. She shares successful examples of community negotiations and warns against misinformation, underscoring the need for transparency and trust-building.

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.

Geoff Lynn, a partner in environmental law at Ashurst with 25 years of experience, joins to dissect Labor's proposed environmental reforms. He shares insights on the National Environment Protection Agency and the new standards shaping assessments. Discussion includes challenges in the current approval process and the push for faster decisions. The debate over accreditation and the role of offsets versus local restoration adds depth, alongside criticisms from the Greens about the absence of a climate trigger. It's a critical analysis of legislation impacting environmental decision-making.

Jeremy Cooper, former Deputy Chair of the Australian Securities and Investments Commission, shares insightful commentary on Australia's superannuation system. He highlights the alarming scarcity of clean energy investments from the $4 trillion super fund pool and discusses the structural barriers at play. Cooper proposes a shadow carbon price to encourage responsible investment choices and contrasts Australia’s slow decarbonisation with other regions. He emphasizes the need for better governance and accountability to align superannuation with sustainable outcomes for future generations.

Jan Daniel Kaemmer, Vice President of Sales at Vestas for Australia, dives into the exciting future of wind energy. He highlights key challenges like project delays and rising costs, while comparing Australia's landscape to international markets. Jan expresses optimism about reaching financial investment decisions by 2026, emphasizing the critical role of wind in transitioning away from coal. He also discusses the need for local manufacturing and shares insights into innovative turbine designs, promising a bright outlook for Australia’s wind sector.

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.