Energy Insiders - a RenewEconomy Podcast

Alastair Parker, the CEO of VicGrid, oversees the planning of transmission lines and renewable zones in Victoria. He discusses the challenges of expanding the grid, including the need for innovative community engagement strategies. Alastair highlights the critical role of battery storage in balancing energy supply and improving transmission capacity. He also delves into the complex choices between overhead and underground lines while addressing issues surrounding social license for projects. The conversation wraps up by examining the profitability of major utilities in the evolving energy market.

Rebecca Colvin from ANU and John Cole from the University of Southern Queensland dive into the intricate world of social licence for renewable energy projects. They discuss the lessons learned from King Island's wind farm proposal and how community engagement plays a vital role in preventing conflicts. The pair emphasize the importance of understanding local dynamics, avoiding divisive rhetoric, and fostering constructive dialogue to build acceptance around renewable initiatives. They also touch on the broader implications of media representation and local needs in shaping community attitudes toward energy transitions.

Andy McCarthy on setting up a solar business in the heart of coal country more than a decade ago, when a 1 kW system cost $8,000. And what the industry can learn from that as it struggles for social licence. Plus: News of the week including high prices and farmers walking away from wind.

Doug Lewin discusses the solar and battery boom in Texas post-storm, highlighting challenges in the electricity market, high industrial sector consumption, and the growth of clean energy. The discussion covers future energy mix projections, impacts of Winter Storm Yuri, and parallels with Australia's renewable developments.

Exploring diverse perspectives in the renewable energy sector, challenges and opportunities discussed at a conference, the importance of a balanced energy mix, regulatory barriers to nuclear energy, the shift to battery storage, innovative compressed air storage technology, and Andrew Forrest's green hydrogen plans.

Contractors and developers are struggling with higher costs and projects delays. Matt Rennie joins us to discuss the issue. Plus: News of the week.

Amber Electric’s Chris Thompson on new push to have EVs use their batteries on wheels to support homes and the grid, and play utilities at their own market game. Plus: News of the week.

John Grimes from the Smart Energy Council on China's robo-taxis, and its lead on battery, EVs, solar and hydrogen. Plus: The ISP, Matt Kean and nuclear.

Evergen’s Ben Hutt on optimising solar, batteries, and the race to electrification. Plus: News of the week and the nuclear fallout.

Energy expert Alex Wonhas on designing the new grid, generation choices and using batteries to boost the network. Plus, news of the week.