Keeping the Lights on in the Energy Transition

Drinks with Anna Collyer & Alistair Parker

Hosted by Stan Krpan PSM

The future of energy generation is a hot topic. Whether it is our politicians, scientists, economists, the media or the pundits – it seems everyone has a have a view on the right energy mix and the energy sector’s future is increasingly contested and positions entrenched. How do we address the need for a reliable, affordable and sustainable energy system that meets the needs of industry, commercial and residential consumers?

Australia’s energy system is in transition, as predominantly coal power stations reach their ended life and renewable energy investment grows. But how is the renewable energy rollout progressing and is an all-renewable future a viable option? Who is ultimately responsible for coordinating all of the moving parts of an unprecedented transformation of the energy system? What is the future of our coal power stations and the role of gas? Will nuclear ever be the solution?

Hear from the experts on the energy transition - how it is progressing and what is being done to ensure our energy system works and that we keep the lights on.

Anna Collyer is Chair of the Australian Energy Market Commission (AEMC). Anna has more than two decades of experience in the Australian energy sector and has worked extensively on industry reform. She was appointed Chair of AEMC on 1 February 2021.

Along with Chair of AEMC, Anna was appointed Chair of the Energy Security Board (ESB) on 1 November 2021, charged with delivering the Post-2025 energy market reforms to create a power system fit for the future. The ESB has now transitioned to the Energy Advisory Panel (EAP) from 1 July 2023. Anna was previously Chair of the EAP, and is now a member.

As a partner of Allens law firm from 2001 to 2020, and in her early career, Anna focussed on the energy sector throughout its evolution, from the initial reforms of the 1990s to its current period of major transformation.
 

Alistair Parker is the CEO of VicGrid, which leads the planning and development of Victorian Renewable Energy Zones. He has over 35 years’ experience in the energy industry, including a decade of executive leadership roles at AusNet Services in Victoria and the Power and Water Corporation in the Northern Territory. Alistair’s early career in the UK comprised 15 years with National Grid, as an engineer and in commercial roles. He was then a consultant with Ernst & Young in New Zealand and PricewaterhouseCoopers in Australia.

Don't miss the opportunity to hear directly from Anna and Alistair, and enrich your understanding of the issues at hand.