Energy Insiders - a RenewEconomy Podcast

John Grimes from the Smart Energy Council discusses what's on agenda ahead of federal poll, and as SEC celebrates its 70th anniversary. Plus: Energy news of the week.

WMO’s climate and energy lead Roberta Boscolo on the latest climate report, the 1.55°C average temperature rise and heating oceans. Plus: A wrap of the news in our first podcast of 2025.

Chris Bowen, Australia's Federal Energy and Climate Minister, dives into the urgent need for renewable policies to tackle climate change. He discusses ambitious climate targets and the vital role of electric vehicles in reducing emissions. The conversation also touches on the Coalition's nuclear plans and the challenges within Australia's energy transition. Bowen emphasizes the importance of collaboration between federal and state governments while addressing public perception issues surrounding nuclear energy. Tune in for insights on driving sustainable progress!

The discussion dives into the Coalition's questionable nuclear policy, underscoring its baffling costings. Humorously, the speakers draw parallels with historical infrastructure blunders. The podcast critiques misleading financial claims surrounding a massive energy proposal and debates the impact of past political legacies on current energy policies. The uncertainty of wind energy projects is explored, as well as investor concerns over regulations impacting clean energy approvals. Ultimately, the economic viability of nuclear energy versus renewables is put under the microscope.

Paul Graham, CSIRO's chief energy economist, reveals insights from the latest GenCost report, confirming that integrated renewables remain the most cost-effective energy solution. He discusses the significant drop in solar and battery costs, the rise of long-duration battery technology, and the competitiveness of pumped hydro for energy storage. The conversation dives into the economic challenges of nuclear power, questioning its viability against renewables while emphasizing the importance of community feedback in shaping Australia's energy future.

Roger Dargaville, a Professor at Monash University and chair of the Australian Photovoltaic Institute, shares insights from a recent solar research conference. He discusses cutting-edge advancements in solar technology and grid integration, highlighting the promise of solar in achieving zero carbon emissions. Dargaville also addresses the necessity for improved local solar manufacturing, the cost advantages over fossil fuels, and the crucial role of education in shaping Australia's solar future, amid competition from global markets.

Gabrielle Kuiper, an independent consultant specializing in distributed energy resources, dives into Australia's evolving energy landscape. She discusses the critical transformation as coal exits and renewables rise, emphasizing the importance of innovative market designs. The conversation touches on the challenges of integrating solar and battery technologies, alongside insights into electricity billing complexities. Kuiper highlights the necessity for advanced resources to enhance decarbonization efforts, shedding light on the balance between maintaining existing energy systems and transitioning to a greener future.

Tim Jordan, a Commissioner with the Australian Energy Market Commission, shares insights on the dynamic rules of Australia's electricity grid. He discusses the need for significant rule adaptations to meet evolving energy demands and infrastructure reforms. The conversation highlights the collaboration among energy bodies to manage increased renewable supply and emphasizes consumer participation in the energy market. Jordan also touches on challenges in energy governance and the exciting advancements in large-scale battery projects reshaping the energy landscape.

John Sibley, Director of enX, shares his expertise on the transformative potential of vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology. He explains how electric vehicles can serve as mobile batteries, benefiting drivers and the energy grid alike. The discussion highlights the newly approved standards for V2G in Australia and the implications for energy consumption and grid stability. Sibley emphasizes the need for a national strategy to leverage these advancements, ensuring consumer protections while enhancing renewable energy infrastructure.

Donald Trump is back. Richie Merzian from the CEIG joins the podcast to discuss the likely impact on climate efforts, COP29, and the outlook in Australia as its big renewable tender is accelerated.