The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) recently announced $1.2-billion to finance two direct air capture projects to be built in Texas and Louisiana. These two sites, when fully operational, aim to pull about two million metric tons of carbon dioxide from the air, or the equivalent of the annual emissions of 70 airplanes, 450,000 gas […]
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When the Victorian Government, in July, announced a ban on gas connections in new homes and government buildings from next year, the plan received overwhelming support from environment groups and the property and construction sectors.
It was seen as a breakthrough for a state that is heavily reliant on natural gas, especially for heating homes and business. It also accounts for around 20% of Victoria’s emissions.
Switching away from natural gas, especially in new homes, was just one of 94 recommendations Infrastructure Victoria made to the Victorian Parliament in August 2021 as part of its 30-year infrastructure strategy update.
“The 30-year infrastructure strategy covers many infrastructure areas that the Victorian Government and Parliament have responsibility for either directly or through influence, and energy is absolutely one of them,” explained Dr Jonathan Spear, Chief Executive Officer at Infrastructure Victoria.
“The focus of our work and advice is what role the Victorian Government can play in the energy transition, conscious that, of course, there’s a real mix of players across different jurisdictions, government, private sector and for individual consumers as well.”
Spear brings his background in law, history and public administration in leading Infrastructure Victoria. Previously serving as Deputy Chief Executive, Chief Operating Officer and General Counsel, he has played a pivotal role in crafting the organisation’s research and advice.
On stage at All-Energy Australia’s conference, 25–26 October in Melbourne, Spear will speak about the pressing need to decarbonise Victoria’s infrastructure and energy sectors to achieve net zero emissions by 2045.
“I’m trained as a lawyer and as an historian, so I’m really interested in good public policy and strategy,” Spear said.
“The great thing about infrastructure is it touches on so many aspects of people’s lives and there’s often a connection across different infrastructure sectors, which is certainly true of energy, and it reflects a lot of the changes that happen.
“Being able to influence policy change through the work of an independent organisation, that collaborates widely across government, the community and the private sector is really rewarding.”
At All-Energy Australia, Spear will speak to the priority actions the Victorian Government can take to support the energy sector to meet the complex, long-term and competing priorities of acceleration of renewable energy, decarbonisation of the gas infrastructure network, and large-scale uptake of zero-emissions vehicles, all in a period of rapid change, uncertainty and fiscal constraint.
“There’s certainly a role for the Victorian Government, and other states and territories, to play increasing zero emission vehicle uptake,” Spear said. “Offering more opportunities to choose active transport, like walking and cycling, and public transport is also really important. We’re not going to achieve transport emission reduction targets without mode shift as well.”
Spear said when it comes to private households and businesses, there’s an enormous opportunity for a shift towards greater energy efficiency.
“We’ve called for increasing transparency of home energy ratings, at point of sale and rent, so that consumers can make more informed choices about the type of home they are going to live in and the impact on their energy bill.”
Spear said the Victorian Government can help manage demand through pricing signals that encourage consumers to use off-peak energy and reduce peak demand.
During the conference, he will also speak about the in-depth work Infrastructure Victoria has done on the implications for net zero emissions of Victoria’s extensive gas infrastructure.
“Our work, ‘Towards 2050: Gas infrastructure in a net zero emissions economy’, was an input to the Victorian Government’s gas substitution roadmap,” Spear explained. “It showed immediate and sustained action is needed to support proven, low carbon solutions — including energy efficiency, targeted electrification, hydrogen and biogas — if Victoria’s gas sector is to reach net zero emissions by 2050.”
Spear said All-Energy Australia is important to bring together so many leaders from across different components of the energy sector.
“It is great to hear each other’s voices through a great mix of industry experts, think tanks, government and community that are able to share ideas across jurisdictions,” Spear said.
“Victoria has particular challenges, for example, our reliance on natural gas is distinctive compared to other jurisdictions. But we’ve also got shared challenges, a shared east coast energy market for example, so that means that it’s important to bring people from all across Australia to All-Energy Australia, which is great.”
Dr Jonathan Spear will appear at All-Energy Australia on Day One in Plenary Three, Wednesday, 25 October starting at 1.40 pm.
For more details on the conference, agenda, exhibitors and how to register for the free-to-attend event, visit the website at all-energy.com.au.
Australia is on the cusp of building a vibrant clean energy industry that boasts scale and innovation and demonstrates its potential to shape the future of sustainable power. As this ambition starts to shape into a reality, the conference and education program for All-Energy Australia 2023 has been announced.
Held in partnership with the Clean Energy Council, the conference is set to take place on 25–26 October at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre. The gathering is an opportunity for industry leaders and professionals to explore, learn and collaborate. It provides access to technologies, insights and trends, catering to individuals working or investing in renewable energy.
The 2023 conference features a roster of national and international speakers who will delve into developments, trends and projections in the energy sector across multiple themes and stages.
Powin President Anthony Carroll will headline the presenters. Drawing on his expertise in the renewable energy industry in the United States, he will speak alongside Nick Carter, CEO of Akaysha Energy, about the Waratah Super Battery, the world’s largest battery located in Australia.
Julie-Anne Smith, Head of Energy Transition & Sustainability Bureau at Veritas, will discuss how the development of a credible and transparent hydrogen certification scheme is critical for Australia to reach its export objectives, while David Desfosses, Tractebel Smart Gird Solutions Lead, examines how Australia’s Energy Trilemma can be mitigated by the implementation of microgrids, drawing on examples from the global implementation of MGs with similar challenges, such as the OYA project in South Africa.
Robby Clark, Portfolio Director at RX Global, said All-Energy Australia stands as a testament to the growth and impact of the clean energy sector.
The opening day of the conference will be led by a fireside chat with Lily D’Ambrosio, Victorian Minister for Climate Action & Minister for Energy and Resources, as well as Kane Thornton, Clean Energy Council CEO. It will be followed by a keynote address by Darren Miller, ARENA CEO, and a panel discussion that includes Dr Jonathan Spear, Infrastructure Victoria CEO.
Kane Thornton, Clean Energy Council CEO, said steering the course towards a cleaner energy future demanded the celebration of achievements and amplified collaboration, which All-Energy Australia facilitates for the sector.
“In 2023, All-Energy Australia will be educating people on the latest developments in the industry and help them understand the current state of the industry and those challenges that really need a lot of attention over the coming years,” Thornton said.
All-Energy Australia features an Energy Management Zone, supported by the Energy Efficiency Council. The zone will host sessions throughout both days, spotlighting sustainable solutions that drive improved energy management and cost savings.
The 2023 edition introduces a revamped CEC Solar Masterclass, catering to solar designers and installers. Attendance is free and offers CPD points for installers who engage with each session.
All-Energy Australia is co-located with Waste Expo Australia, forming a comprehensive showcase of clean energy and sustainability. The full agenda for All-Energy Australia 2023 and details on how to register are available at www.all-energy.com.au.
Every month, the Good On You team scours the internet, so you can have easy access to the ethical and sustainable fashion news that matters. Here’s everything you need to know this month. In the know Can Fashion Future-Proof Its Supply Chains? Before London Fashion Week, sustainability experts gathered at the Regenerative Fashion Conference, hosted […]
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