

Energy Insiders - a RenewEconomy Podcast
RenewEconomy
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.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Aug 8, 2025 • 1h 3min
Lifting the lid on the Nelson Review
We talk with Tim Nelson and the entire review panel to discuss its recommendations, what comes next and what it does to address market power. Plus: Cheaper batteries!

6 snips
Aug 4, 2025 • 1h 1min
The making of Australia's biggest battery
Nick Carter, CEO of Akaysha Energy, leads large-scale battery storage projects in Australia. He discusses the monumental Waratah Super Battery, detailing the challenges faced in construction, from weather issues to financial hurdles. The conversation delves into the evolving battery technology landscape, highlighting innovations in power transmission and the skills needed for a renewable energy transition. Carter also addresses community dynamics around energy projects and the economic implications of upcoming battery initiatives.

Jul 31, 2025 • 1h 5min
What is Australia going to do now?
Former US Department of Energy Loan Programs Office director Jigar Shah on the opportunities for Australia, Clean Energy Summit digests the supersized CIS, and Kane Thornton breaks from the peloton.

Jul 28, 2025 • 56min
Greasing the wheels of net zero
Clean Energy Finance Corp Ian Learmonth on the record commitments in last year, and the need to do a lot more to reach renewable and net zero targets. Plus: News of the week.

Jul 18, 2025 • 1h 4min
Lily D'Ambrosio and the fight against vested interests
Victoria energy minister Lily D'Ambrosio talks about electrification, gas, transmission links, renewable zones, offshore wind and coal closures - and battling vested interests. Plus: News of the week.

Jul 11, 2025 • 58min
Why we need more big batteries
Alex Wonhas, head of AMPYR and former executive at CS Energy and AEMO, sheds light on his company's ambitious battery project. He emphasizes the critical need for large batteries to support wind energy, especially in times of struggle. The discussion delves into the complexities of financing battery projects and the importance of strategic partnerships. Wonhas also highlights advancements in battery technology and community engagement, stressing their role in the transition to a sustainable energy grid.

Jul 4, 2025 • 58min
Australia's new green bank
Cameron O'Reilly, the new chair of the Energy Security Corp, discusses plans for Australia's newest green bank. Plus: News of the week.

6 snips
Jun 27, 2025 • 1h 11min
The changing dynamics of battery storage
Joel Alexander, Head of Pacific Green in Australia, discusses the ambitious plans for the largest battery in South Australia, highlighting how technological advancements and strategic partnerships are crucial for success in the battery storage sector. Wayne Smith, an outgoing executive from the Smart Energy Council, shares insights on the evolving political landscape influencing renewable energy policies. The two explore the implications of operational challenges, costs, and the exciting future potential that battery systems hold for Australia's energy transition.

Jun 20, 2025 • 59min
All about electric planes
Aviation expert Adam Twidell from FlexJet, a leader in private aviation, dives into the world of electric planes. He shares thrilling insights from his experience flying the Pipistrel electric aircraft and discusses the advancements in eVTOL technology. Twidell highlights the growing interest from military and automotive sectors in electric flight and examines the challenges of battery technology and investment strategies. The conversation shifts to the future of electric aviation, including its potential and hurdles by 2030.

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.